No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

No bake chocolate oatmeal bars are a simple, delicious treat that combines chewy oats with rich chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these bars require no oven time and come together with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges to lift the bars out easily. A 9×13-inch dish can be used for thinner bars.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Mix in the rolled oats and cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until well blended.
4. Step 4: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Press it evenly and firmly to form the bottom layer.
5. Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together. Stir until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat layer in the pan, spreading it evenly and reserving about 1/4 cup for drizzling.
7. Step 7: Spread the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the remaining chocolate mixture over the top.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, try substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Experiment with adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the oat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Ensure you cook the oat and sugar mixture long enough to avoid overly soft bars, but do not overcook to prevent dryness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats provide the best chewy texture for these bars. Quick oats can be used but may result in a softer, less structured bar.

Why do my no bake bars turn out too soft or crumbly?

The texture depends on how long you cook the butter and sugar mixture. Undercooking can make the bars too soft, while overcooking may cause them to be dry and crumbly. Cook until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is well combined for best results.

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 85 reviews

Delicious and easy No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars layered with buttery oats, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for a quick treat without turning on the oven, these bars combine chewy oats with smooth chocolate and peanut butter in a satisfying no-bake dessert.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Oatmeal Layers

• 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 the Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges to easily lift the bars later. For thinner bars, use a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Melt Butter and Sugar: 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, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Vanilla and Oats: Stir in the vanilla extract, then mix in the rolled oats. Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the ingredients are well blended and the oats are coated.
4. Create the Bottom Layer: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down firmly to form the base layer. Keep the remaining oat mixture for the top layer.
5. Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together in short bursts, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
6. Layer the Filling: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the oat base in the pan, spreading it evenly and reserving about 1/4 cup for drizzling the top layer.
7. Add the Top Oat Layer: Spread the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to adhere. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture evenly over the top.
8. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours or overnight until firm. Before cutting, bring to room temperature for easier slicing.

Notes

• Boiling time of the sugar mixture affects texture: undercooking results in soft bars, overcooking leads to dry, crumbly bars.
• Use parchment paper with overhang to lift bars easily from the pan.
• Thinner bars can be made by using a larger pan (9×13-inch).
• Bring bars to room temperature before cutting to prevent crumbling.

Keywords: no bake, chocolate oatmeal bars, peanut butter, easy dessert, oats, no bake bars, quick treat, chocolate peanut butter bars