No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

 

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

A quick, no-oven treat: crunchy oats, rich  chocolate, and  peanut butter layered into bars that set in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227 g)  butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
  

  Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×9-inch pan and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla until combined.
  3. Remove from heat and mix in oats until evenly coated. Press half the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt chocolate chips with peanut butter, stirring until smooth. Pour over the oat crust and spread evenly.
  5. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer and press lightly to secure.
  6. Cover and refrigerate 2–3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature briefly before cutting into bars.

  Tips and Variations

  • For firmer bars, chill overnight.
  • Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
  • Stir chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the oat mixture for extra texture.
  • Press the top layer with the back of a spoon to create a neater finish.

  Storage

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 7 days.
  • Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.