Description
Irresistible no bake chocolate oat bars bring together rich chocolate and hearty oats in a delightful no-cook dessert. Sweet layers of creamy chocolate and nutty oats promise a quick, satisfying treat perfect for quick snacking or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
binding/texture ingredients:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Incorporate brown sugar and honey into the melted butter, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and vigorously stir in cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until a rich, glossy chocolate base forms.
- Fold rolled oats into the chocolate mixture, ensuring each oat is thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
- Warm peanut butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to create a more fluid consistency, then blend with milk.
- Pour half of the oat-chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer.
- Drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the first layer, spreading it carefully to cover the surface.
- Top with remaining oat-chocolate mixture, gently pressing to seal the peanut butter layer and create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top, lightly pressing them into the mixture.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely set and firm.
- Lift the bars out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Swap regular butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the bars.
- Use almond or sunflower seed butter as alternative options for those with peanut allergies, ensuring the same nutty flavor profile.
- Choose gluten-free rolled oats to make the recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Reduce honey and replace with maple syrup for a lower-sugar alternative that still provides natural sweetness and binding properties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg