Description
These Best No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and wholesome oats. Perfect for dessert or a snack, they require no baking and are ready to enjoy after chilling for just two hours. Deliciously chewy and packed with flavor, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Oatmeal Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick oats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oat mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Coat the oats: Add the quick oats to the saucepan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure all oats are well coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Layer the base: Line an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper. Evenly spread half of the oat mixture over the base of the dish and press down gently to form a solid layer.
- Melt chocolate and peanut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter together in short intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the chocolate layer: Pour and spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat layer in the dish.
- Top with oat mixture: Spread the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer, gently patting it down to create a uniform top layer.
- Chill to set: Place the assembled dish in the refrigerator and chill for 2 hours, allowing the bars to firm up properly.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice into 16 bars and serve. Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for freshness.
Notes
- For firmer bars, chill longer or briefly freeze before slicing.
- Use quick oats as they absorb the mixture better and provide the right texture.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any nut butter of your choice.
- Ensure the chocolate and peanut butter are melted slowly to prevent burning.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
