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No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

4.9 from 54 reviews

These no bake chocolate oatmeal bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat combining buttery oats with a rich chocolate peanut butter filling. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert without turning on the oven, these bars set in the fridge to create layers of chewy oats and smooth chocolate goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Layer

  • 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

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing overhang on the edges for easy removal later. Use a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars if desired.
  2. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved completely. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Cook Oats Mixture: Add the rolled oats to the melted butter and sugar mixture. Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring continuously until well blended.
  4. Layer First Oat Mixture: 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 oat mixture for layering later.
  5. Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together in short bursts, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  6. Add Filling Layer: Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the first oat layer, reserving about 1/4 cup of the chocolate mixture to drizzle later.
  7. Top with Remaining Oat Mixture: Spread the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, gently pressing it down to form the top layer. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture on top for decoration.
  8. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the baking dish for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set firmly. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars to serve.

Notes

  • For thinner bars, use a larger baking dish such as a 9×13-inch pan and adjust layers accordingly.
  • Ensure oats are toasted lightly in the saucepan for better flavor and texture.
  • The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • To soften the bars before serving, bring to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or other nut butters if preferred.

Keywords: no bake dessert, chocolate oatmeal bars, peanut butter bars, easy snack, no bake bars