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No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe

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3.8 from 54 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Yield: 32 bars (1 9x9-inch pan)

Description

These No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars combine the chewy goodness of quick cooking oats with a rich chocolaty peanut butter layer. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacks, they require no baking and come together quickly with minimal fuss. Creamy peanut butter and semisweet chocolate meld perfectly over a buttery oat base, making these bars a crowd favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

Oat Mixture

  • 1 cup butter
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups quick cooking oats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Grease a 9-inch square pan well to prevent sticking and set aside for layering.
  2. Make oat base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until combined. Mix in the quick cooking oats and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the ingredients blend well and the mixture is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Form bottom layer: Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it forms a firm base. Reserve the other half for the topping layer.
  4. Prepare chocolate layer: In a small heavy saucepan over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter together. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth, making sure it doesn't burn or separate.
  5. Assemble bars: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat base in the pan. Spread gently with a knife or the back of a spoon to create a smooth chocolate layer.
  6. Add topping layer: Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Press down gently so it adheres well but still retains some texture.
  7. Chill bars: Cover the pan and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to set firmly.
  8. Serve: Allow bars to come to room temperature before cutting into 32 bars for serving.

Notes

  • These bars can be frozen; thaw them at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
  • Pressing the oat mixture gently but firmly will help keep the bar layers intact.
  • Use quick cooking oats for best consistency; old-fashioned rolled oats may alter texture.
  • Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter if desired, keeping the same quantity.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/no-bake-chocolate-oat-bars-recipe/