No-bake monster cookie oat cups: a sweet, easy treat!

A blast from the past: inspired by lagoon amusement park

Hi everyone! It's Linda Johnson from Sweet Pea Delights. Remember those fun little M&M energy bites I'd pack for the kids when we visited Lagoon amusement park in Utah? Well, those memories sparked a delicious evolution! We've been perfecting this recipe for years, and it’s officially our family's favorite. Get ready for a treat that's packed with flavor and nostalgia – and best of all, it requires absolutely no baking!

Why you’ll adore these no-bake oat cups

These aren’t just any dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and convenience. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and those colorful M&M’s is irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make (even kids can help!), require no oven, and boast a delightful chewy texture. We’ve even managed to create a version with no refined sugar, using natural sweeteners - a win-win!

The simple ingredient list

The beauty of these cups lies in their simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! We're talking about things like old-fashioned oats for that hearty base, creamy peanut butter for richness, and, of course, a generous helping of mini M&M’s for color and crunch. A little protein powder adds structure and a boost, while maple syrup provides natural sweetness.

Step-by-step: making the magic happen

The process is incredibly straightforward. First, combine all the ingredients for the peanut butter oat base in a bowl until well mixed. Gently fold in the M&M’s. Then, spoon the mixture into muffin liners, flatten them down, and freeze. Finally, melt your chocolate and peanut butter chips, pour them over the oat cups, sprinkle with extra M&M’s and flaky salt, and chill or freeze to set. It's that easy!

Protein powder power: our favorites

We’ve experimented with countless protein powders, and two consistently rise to the top: Just Ingredients and Ascent. We’re not affiliated with either brand; we simply believe they offer the best taste and quality. For this recipe, we used vanilla protein powder for a subtle, complementary flavor. Feel free to experiment with different flavors!

Variations and storage tips

Don't be afraid to get creative! Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunbutter. Replace the M&M’s with Reese’s Pieces or mini chocolate chips. Add some coconut flakes for extra texture and sweetness. To store, keep leftover oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to a month. Enjoy!