No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe

Introduction

These no bake chocolate oat bars are a quick and satisfying treat perfect for anytime you need a sweet boost. With a chewy oat base and a rich chocolate-peanut butter topping, they’re easy to make and naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (extra for drizzling)
• 2-3 tbsp mini chocolate chips (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8” baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Press 1 ½ cups of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact and even layer.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/3 cup peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between, until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed oat layer.
6. Step 6: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate, allowing some chocolate to peek through. Drizzle with extra melted peanut butter and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours until set. Cut into 12 bars or adjust size as preferred.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond or sunflower seed butter if you have peanut allergies.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted chocolate variation.
• Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit to the oat mixture for extra texture.
• Make mini versions by cutting into 16 small squares, perfect for snack-sized portions.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Let frozen bars thaw slightly at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, rolled oats can be used, but the bars may have a chewier texture. Quick oats help the mixture bind better for these no bake bars.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

These no bake chocolate oat bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect as a quick snack or dessert, they require no baking and can be prepared in under 15 minutes, then chilled until set.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Oat Base

• 2 cups quick oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Topping

• 2–3 tbsp mini chocolate chips
• extra creamy peanut butter for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after chilling.
2. Mix Oat Base: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the quick oats, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and sticky.
3. Form Bottom Layer: Press about 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, compacting it well to create a solid base layer.
4. Make Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Top with Chocolate: Evenly spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the compacted oat base.
6. Add Crumbled Oats & Toppings: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer, allowing some chocolate to peek through. Drizzle with additional melted peanut butter and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips for garnish.
7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2-3 hours to firm up. Once set, cut into 12 even bars or adjust to 9 or 16 pieces depending on preferred size. Store any leftovers refrigerated or frozen.

Notes

• Press the oat mixture firmly to ensure bars hold together well.
• Use gluten-free oats if dietary restrictions require it.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey.
• Bars can be stored in refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
• Mini chocolate chips on top add a pleasing texture and decorative touch.

Keywords: no bake bars, chocolate oat bars, peanut butter bars, healthy snack, gluten-free snack, no bake dessert