These No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are the perfect solution when you're craving something sweet but don't want to turn on the oven. Made with simple ingredients like oats, brown sugar, chocolate, and peanut butter, they come together in just minutes and require no baking. The combination of the chewy oat layer and the smooth chocolate-peanut butter filling creates a deliciously satisfying treat. Whether you're making these for a quick dessert, snack, or even to share at a gathering, these no-bake bars are sure to be a hit. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for an easy go-to snack.
No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are the perfect treat for anyone looking for a simple and satisfying dessert. With a chewy oat layer and a rich chocolate-peanut butter filling, these bars are easy to make and require no baking at all. Whether you need a quick snack or something sweet to share at a gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit. Best of all, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge, so they’re ready whenever you need them.
Now, let's take a closer look at the ingredients you'll need to make these delicious bars.
INGREDIENTS
- Oats: 2 cups of easy-cook oats provide the chewy base for these bars. The oats are gently cooked with butter and sugar to create a firm crust and topping.
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup of brown sugar adds sweetness and helps bind the oats together.
- Butter: 1/2 cup of butter is melted and combined with the sugar and oats, creating the base layer and crumbly topping for the bars.
- Chocolate Chips: 1 cup of chocolate chips is melted with peanut butter to create a smooth, rich filling for the bars.
- Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup of peanut butter adds creaminess and enhances the flavor of the chocolate filling.
- Vanilla Essence: 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the oat mixture.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Coat a 9×9-inch pan with grease or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Oat Mixture
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence until well combined.
- Next, add 2 cups of oats to the butter and sugar mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to lightly toast the oats and ensure they’re well coated.
- Step 3: Form the Crust
- Firmly press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared 9×9 pan, creating a sturdy crust for the bars. Set the remaining oat mixture aside for the top layer.
- Step 4: Make the Chocolate Layer
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of peanut butter together over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat crust, spreading it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Step 6: Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, gently pressing it down to ensure it adheres to the filling.
- Step 7: Chill the Bars
- Cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow them to firm up. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are best served chilled, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For clean, even slices, allow them to come to room temperature before cutting them into bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy them over time.
- If you want to make them extra special, drizzle the bars with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts for added texture.
Helpful Notes
- For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil or use natural peanut butter for a lower sugar option.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, try using old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars for a delicious contrast of sweet and salty flavors.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor in the filling—semi-sweet or dark chocolate works particularly well in these bars.
- Gordon Ramsay: Add a hint of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a rich, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Rachael Ray: For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for the peanut butter.