No bake chocolate oat bars are a deliciously simple treat that combines the wholesome texture of oats with the rich creaminess of chocolate. Perfect for busy days, these bars come together quickly without the need for an oven. They’re great for snacking, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: With no baking required, these bars are ready in minutes and require minimal effort.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or taste preferences.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Oats provide fiber, and the chocolate-peanut butter combo offers a delightful indulgence.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little helpers in the kitchen, as there’s no cooking involved.
- Make-Ahead: These bars store well, making them an ideal treat for meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Butter or coconut oil
- Brown sugar or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Prepare the Base:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in the rolled oats, stirring until fully coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Layer the Bars:
- Press half of the oat mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Make the Chocolate Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble:
- Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the oat layer in the dish. Top with the remaining oat mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the dish for 2-3 hours or until the bars are firm.
- Serve:
- Slice into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans between the layers for extra crunch.
- Make It Vegan: Use coconut oil, maple syrup, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the oat mixture.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle sea salt, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips on top.
- Sweetener Swap: Substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: No reheating necessary; these bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
You can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini for a nut-free alternative.
Can I make these sugar-free?
Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia and sugar-free chocolate chips.
Do I have to refrigerate these bars?
Yes, chilling is essential to help the bars set properly.
Can I add dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for extra flavor.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work great, but you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger dish and double all the ingredients.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line the dish with parchment paper or use a generous amount of non-stick spray.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred to avoid a runny consistency.
Conclusion
No bake chocolate oat bars are a simple, satisfying treat that’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a lunchbox addition, or a dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Keep this recipe on hand for when you need a sweet treat in no time!
PrintNo Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
These chewy, chocolatey oat bars are layered with a buttery oat base and a rich chocolate filling. They’re perfect for a sweet fix and require minimal effort to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Oat Layer:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (240 g) rolled oats
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (265 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Oat Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the rolled oats and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to coat the oats and lightly toast them.
- Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bottom Layer:
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to flatten it firmly.
- Prepare the Chocolate Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. (Alternatively, melt them together over a double boiler.)
- Layer the Chocolate Filling:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bottom oat layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Top with Remaining Oats:
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Press it down gently to create an even top layer.
- Chill the Bars:
- Refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper (if used) and cut them into squares or rectangles.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- You can substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or use milk chocolate for a sweeter option.