No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Introduction
These no bake chocolate oatmeal bars are a quick and delicious treat that combine the hearty texture of oats with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for when you want a sweet snack without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the edges to easily lift the bars later. A 9×13-inch pan can be used if you prefer thinner bars.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until the butter is fully melted and the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Mix in the rolled oats and cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture is well blended.
- Step 4: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and press down firmly to form the bottom layer. Set the remaining oat mixture aside.
- Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 6: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat layer in the pan, reserving about 1/4 cup of the mixture for drizzling. Spread the layer evenly.
- Step 7: Top the chocolate layer with the remaining oat mixture, pressing it down gently. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture over the top.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to set. Allow them to come to room temperature before cutting into bars for best texture.
- Step 9: Note that the final texture depends on how long you cook the sugar mixture. Boiling too briefly results in a softer bar, while overcooking can make the bars dry and crumbly.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free option, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or creamy almond butter.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the oat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the brown sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey on top before refrigerating.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. For best taste and texture, bring bars to room temperature before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide a better structure and hearty bite to the bars.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps the bars set and hold their shape. They can be kept at room temperature briefly before serving, but should be stored chilled to maintain texture and freshness.
PrintNo Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously easy treat featuring layers of buttery oats and rich chocolate-peanut butter filling. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bars combine rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips without the need for baking, resulting in chewy and fudgy bars that set in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: No-Bake Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base and Layers
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 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
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the edges to easily lift the bars out later. A 9×13-inch dish can be used if thinner bars are desired.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved completely. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Oats: Mix the rolled oats into the butter-sugar mixture thoroughly. Continue cooking over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to blend the ingredients well.
- Form Bottom Layer: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and press down firmly to create a solid base layer. Reserve the other half of the oat mixture for later.
- Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together by microwaving in short intervals, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Layer Chocolate Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the oat base layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture for drizzling.
- Add Top Oat Layer and Drizzle: Pour the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate filling, gently pressing it down to form the top layer. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture over the top.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the layered bars for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to allow them to firm up. Before serving, bring the bars to room temperature for easier cutting.
- Final Texture Note: The texture of these bars depends on how long the sugar mixture is cooked. Boil it long enough to avoid softness, but not too long to prevent dryness or crumbliness.
Notes
- Ensure to boil the sugar and butter mixture just right; undercooking leads to soft bars, overcooking makes them dry and crumbly.
- If a thinner bar is preferred, use a larger baking dish like 9×13-inch.
- Bring bars to room temperature before cutting to avoid cracking.
- Use parchment paper with overhangs for easy removal of bars.
- Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in short bursts to prevent burning and achieve a smooth consistency.
Keywords: no bake chocolate bars, oatmeal bars, peanut butter chocolate bars, easy no bake dessert, no bake treats
