No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are a simple, quick, and delicious treat that combines hearty oats with rich chocolate. They’re perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. These bars come together in just a few steps and are perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or as a homemade gift. Here’s a super easy recipe for you:
No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, but enhances the flavor)
Instructions:
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Prepare the base:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the peanut butter (or almond butter) and honey (or maple syrup). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the peanut butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt (if using). Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well combined.
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Add the oats:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rolled oats. Mix well until the oats are fully coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
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Transfer to a pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the oat mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture.
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Top with chocolate:
- Melt the mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pressed oat mixture, spreading it out with a spatula to cover evenly.
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Chill:
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set and the bars are firm.
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Cut and serve:
- Once chilled and set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, and cut into squares or bars.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add a variety of mix-ins to make these bars your own. Try dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots), chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds), or seeds (chia, flax, or sunflower seeds) for extra texture.
- Flavor variations: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower butter, or cashew butter for different flavors. You could also experiment with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even espresso powder for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. These bars also freeze well—just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
These No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. They’re rich, chewy, and packed with good-for-you oats and peanut butter (or your nut butter of choice). Would you like more no-bake recipes or tips on other flavor combinations?