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No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

5.2 from 11 reviews

These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat combining rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats. Perfect for a quick dessert or energy-packed snack without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Oat Mixture

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups rolled oats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars. You can also use a 9×13-inch pan if you prefer thinner bars.
  2. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring until the butter is fully melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Mix in Oats: Add the rolled oats to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until all oats are thoroughly coated and blended. Return the pan to low heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the mixture is well combined without burning.
  4. Create the Base Layer: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread it evenly and press down firmly to create a compact base layer. Reserve the remaining oat mixture for the top layer.
  5. Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
  6. Spread Chocolate Filling: Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat base layer, saving about 1/4 cup of the mixture for decoration.
  7. Top Layer and Drizzle: Spread the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to adhere. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture on top for an attractive finish.
  8. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the pan for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to set. Before cutting, allow the bars to come to room temperature for easier slicing.

Notes

  • Boiling time of the sugar mixture is key: if boiled too little, bars will be too soft; if boiled too long, bars might become dry and crumbly.
  • Use rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats may result in a less chewy bar.
  • You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or other nut butters if preferred.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: no bake bars, oatmeal bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, easy dessert, no bake dessert, oatmeal snack bars