No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe

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🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe

Ingredients (makes about 16 bars)

Oat Layer

  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (270 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Chocolate Filling

  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
  • ½ cup (125 g) peanut butter (smooth or crunchy — your choice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan
    • Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the oat mixture
    • In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
    • Stir in vanilla and salt.
    • Add the oats and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the oats are well coated and slightly toasted.
    • Remove from heat.
  3. Layer the base
    • Press about ⅔ of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
    • Reserve the remaining ⅓ for topping.
  4. Make the chocolate filling
    • In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt together chocolate chips and peanut butter, stirring until smooth.
    • Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat layer and spread evenly.
  5. Add the top layer
    • Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer and gently press it down.
  6. Chill
    • Refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or freeze for 45 minutes) until firm.
  7. Cut and serve
    • Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang.
    • Cut into squares or rectangles.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Or freeze for up to 3 months — they taste great straight from the freezer!

Optional Variations

  • Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to the oat mixture.
  • Use almond butter, cashew butter, or Nutella instead of peanut butter.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet–salty finish.

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