Description
These Best No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and easy treat that combines buttery oats with a rich peanut butter chocolate layer. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they require no baking and come together with simple ingredients, chilled to set into perfect bars.
Ingredients
Scale
Oat 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
- Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract until fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Coat the Oats: Add the quick oats to the butter and sugar mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly to ensure the oats are evenly coated with the buttery sugar mixture.
- Prepare the Base Layer: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Evenly spread half of the oat mixture into the base of the dish, pressing gently to create a flat layer.
- Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour and spread the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat base layer. Then, top this with the remaining oat mixture, patting gently to form an even layer on top.
- Chill and Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for 2 hours until the bars are firm enough to cut into squares. Slice and serve once set.
Notes
- Use quick oats for the best texture; rolled oats can make the bars denser.
- Press the oat layers firmly to help the bars hold together better after chilling.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed.
- Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter in 20-second intervals, stirring well to prevent burning.
