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No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a quick and simple treat, combining rich melted chocolate and peanut butter with hearty oats. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they require no baking and set deliciously in the fridge for a chewy, chocolaty delight.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tsp vanilla (optional)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy)

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups quick oats
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking. Set the dish aside for later use.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler on the stovetop, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together until fully smooth and combined. Set aside.
  3. Melt Butter and Brown Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring occasionally to combine thoroughly.
  4. Combine Oats and Flavor: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the vanilla extract if using. Add the quick oats to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to evenly coat the oats and slightly toast them.
  5. Form Base Layer: Press half of the oatmeal mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
  6. Spread Chocolate-Peanut Butter Layer: Spoon approximately 3/4 of the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat base, spreading gently so as not to disturb the base layer.
  7. Add Top Oat Layer: Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the chocolate layer and press lightly to cover the entire top surface.
  8. Drizzle Remaining Chocolate: Drizzle the rest of the chocolate-peanut butter mixture on top as a finishing touch.
  9. Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or overnight until the chocolate sets completely and the bars hold together. Once set, slice into bars and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use quick oats for the best texture and binding; rolled oats may make the bars too dry or crumbly.
  • Opt for creamy peanut butter for smooth consistency in the chocolate layer.
  • Press ingredients firmly in layers to help the bars hold together well after chilling.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.