No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups (psst... healthy ingredients, but so tasty)
I created this recipe last weekend and can't stop thinking about these healthy treats!
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I am a moderation type of girl when it comes to food. I think of myself as somewhat of a foodie. I am obsessed with specialty food shops, restaurant menus, cookbooks, The Flavor Bible, healthy food shops, and just about anything food-related. I am no chef, but I pride myself on being a pretty good home cook, and I am well-versed in making my meals on the healthy side.
I generally will let myself indulge 20% of the time. You know, that 80-20 rule. Eat healthy 80% of the time and indulge 20%.
Well, little ole’ peri-menopause started hanging out with me, and it looks like 80-20 doesn’t work for my body anymore. So, I am adjusting and going 90-10! Food is a joy for me, so if I am going to eat pasta one night, I AM GOING TO EAT PASTA! All in! It doesn’t mean I have to go back for seconds or eat so much that I can’t button my pants. It means I will slowly and thoroughly enjoy my meal.
So, that brings me to today’s recipe—it’s a dessert that lives on the healthier side of desserts.
PLUS, there are health benefits
Dark chocolate (yum) is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which support heart health by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and reducing oxidative stress due to its high antioxidant content.
Peanut butter is a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats and protein, helping with weight management, muscle maintenance, and sustained energy (I need the energy.)
Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, making them an awesome seed for regulating blood sugar, promoting gut health, and supporting cardiovascular function.
Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower LDL cholesterol, improve gut health, and regulate blood sugar. Oat are excellent for heart health and digestion.
By the way, you can save this recipe on your Pinterest board!
Let’s get to making these delicious treats!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
Ingredients
1 cup all-natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy will work)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or raw honey)
1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups oats (I used rolled oats)
2 tbsps chia seeds
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I like the brand HU)
1 tbsp slivered almonds (OPTIONAL)
Method
In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add rolled oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Mix well until combined.
Line a muffin tin with paper liners and spoon the mixture evenly into each cup, pressing it down firmly.
Melt dark chocolate chips (microwave in short intervals or use a double boiler).
Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over each cup and sprinkle with crushed nuts for an extra crunch (optional on the nuts).
Chill in the fridge for at least an hour until firm.
Most importantly, ENJOY!
Here’s the recipe PDF you can download:
If you make these, please come back and tell me how you like them. If you create a variation of your own, share that too!
✍️Some other recipes you might enjoy ⤵️
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Until next time~
How convenient I have all these ingredients—Monday pick me up snack
Looks delicious, I love all the ingredients. Chia seeds weren't my thing until I started with the classic almond milk + chia, let it sit in the fridge and voilà, pudding. Thanks for this!