No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Delicious no bake chocolate oatmeal bars that combine the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate with the wholesome texture of rolled oats. These bars come together quickly without an oven, making them a perfect no-bake treat for any occasion. They have a crunchy oat base layered with a creamy and chocolaty peanut butter filling, topped with another oat layer and drizzled with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Oat Layers
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 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
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the edges for easy removal of the bars later. Using a 9×13-inch dish is an option if you prefer thinner bars.
- Melt butter and sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter together with the brown sugar. Stir frequently until the butter has fully melted and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add vanilla and oats: Stir the vanilla extract into the melted butter and sugar mixture. Then add the rolled oats and mix well.
- Cook oat mixture: Continue cooking the mixture over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Form the first oat layer: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down firmly to create a solid base layer. Reserve the remaining half of the oat mixture for the top layer.
- Make the chocolate peanut butter filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Spread filling: Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the first oat layer in the pan, leaving about 1/4 cup aside for drizzling.
- Add top oat layer and drizzle chocolate: Pour the reserved oat mixture on top of the chocolate layer, pressing it down gently to form a top crust. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top.
- Chill the bars: Refrigerate the layered bars for 2 to 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to set firmly.
- Serve: Before cutting into bars, bring them to room temperature for easier slicing and best texture. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- The texture of these no-bake bars depends on how long you cook the sugar and butter mixture; if not cooked enough, the bars may be too soft, while overcooking can make them dry and crumbly.
- Using parchment paper with overhang makes it easier to lift and cut the bars uniformly.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or other nut butters if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Store bars refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: no bake, chocolate oatmeal bars, peanut butter, easy dessert, no bake bars, oatmeal treat, chocolate peanut butter bars
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/no-bake-chocolate-oatmeal-bars-recipe/
