No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars recipe
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of these No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars. With just five main ingredients, you can create a scrumptious treat that combines a buttery oat base with a rich chocolate peanut butter filling.
The creamy chocolate layer is sandwiched between two layers of chewy oats, and a final drizzle of chocolate on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring no oven time and just a little patience while they chill.
Essential Ingredients for No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Butter – Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps to bind the oats together, creating a chewy base for the bars.
Light Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor with its molasses content, balancing the chocolate and peanut butter perfectly.
Quick Oats – The heart of the recipe, quick oats provide a chewy texture and wholesome flavor, making these bars satisfying and nutritious.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melted with peanut butter to create a smooth, luscious filling that pairs beautifully with the oats.
Peanut Butter – Adds a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and helps hold the bars together.
Quick and Easy Steps to Make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Line an 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper or foil, lightly greasing it if using foil, and set aside.
Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Lower the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the oats. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly to combine.
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared dish to form the base layer.
Pour 3/4 of the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat base, spreading it evenly without disturbing the layer.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top and press down gently to cover the chocolate layer completely.
Drizzle the remaining chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the top for a decorative finish.
Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours or overnight, until the chocolate is fully set. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Use Quick Oats: Quick oats work best for this recipe, as they provide a softer, more cohesive texture than rolled oats.
Chill Time: For best results, allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate has completely set. Overnight chilling is ideal for easy slicing.
Customizable Mix-ins: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or seeds to the oat mixture for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with different flavors by swapping out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate.
You can also substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a unique twist. For a gluten-free version, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
Storing and Keeping Your Bars Fresh
Store these No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
They can also be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. Enjoy them chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Delight in these easy-to-make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars, featuring a buttery oatmeal base layered with a rich chocolate and peanut butter filling. Topped with an extra drizzle of chocolate, these bars make the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan
- Parchment paper
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, lightly grease it. Set the pan aside.
- In a microwave or using the double boiler method on the stovetop, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Add the quick oats and continue to cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the oats are well-coated.
- Firmly press half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Spread about three-quarters of the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over the oatmeal layer, smoothing it gently to cover without disturbing the base.
- Evenly distribute the remaining oatmeal mixture over the chocolate layer and press it down lightly to ensure it sticks together.
- Drizzle the remaining chocolate peanut butter mixture over the top of the bars.
- Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours or until the chocolate has completely set. Once firm, slice into bars and enjoy!
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
