Of course! No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are a classic, easy treat that’s like a cross between a granola bar and a fudgey candy bar. They’re perfect for when you need a sweet fix without turning on the oven.
This recipe is incredibly simple and uses common pantry staples.
No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
These bars feature a chewy, buttery oat crust and topping with a rich, creamy chocolate-peanut butter layer in the middle.
Yields: 16 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1-2 hours
Ingredients
· 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter
· 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 3 cups (270g) quick-cooking oats (see note below on oats)
· For the Filling:
· 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
· 3/4 cup (195g) creamy peanut butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the Oat Base
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture just begins to bubble.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the quick-cooking oats until they are fully coated and combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Press half of the oat mixture (about 2 ½ to 3 cups) firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to press it down really well—this is key for bars that hold their shape.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a separate saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave (or over low heat on the stove), stirring between each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the pressed oat layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Gently press it down with your hands or the back of a spoon to help it adhere.
Step 4: Chill and Set
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely firm.
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares.
Important Tips for Success
· The Right Oats are Crucial: Quick-cooking oats are essential here. They are smaller and absorb the butter mixture better, leading to a bar that holds together. Old-fashioned rolled oats will result in a much crumblier bar that falls apart.
· Press Firmly: Don’t be shy when pressing the oat layers! A firm pack is the secret to bars that don’t crumble when you bite into them.
· Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. They are best served chilled.
· Customize Your Bars:
· Add Ins: Stir 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries into the oat mixture.
· Different Chips: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
· Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter (SunButter) instead of peanut butter. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
Enjoy your easy, delicious, and no-bake treat