No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

No-bake chocolate oatmeal bars are an easy, delicious snack that combines chewy oats with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, all set in a pan with no oven required.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter (optional but adds richness and binding)

Instructions

1. Grease or line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add oats and mix until fully coated and heated through (about 2-3 minutes). Remove half the mixture and press it into the bottom of the pan to form the base.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed oat base.
5. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently.
6. Chill bars in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or until firm.
7. Slice into bars and serve.

Tips and Variations

• For a healthier version, substitute coconut oil and maple syrup for the butter and brown sugar.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the Chocolate layer for a sweet-salty balance.
• Mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

This recipe makes about 16 bars and is perfect for quick snacks, lunchbox treats, or dessert cravings without baking.

Storage Tips

Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats? Yes, but texture will be softer. Rolled oats are ideal for chewiness.
Are these bars gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Can I substitute maple syrup? Honey or agave syrup work well as alternatives.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously easy way to enjoy a chocolate treat with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or anytime hunger strikes. Find more healthy tasty recipes at dishfoody.com.

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Print Recipe

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars with fudgy chocolate peanut butter center layered between crunchy oatmeal crusts. Perfect quick dessert or snack that requires no oven!

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins (+ chilling)
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the oatmeal crust:
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the chocolate filling:
• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions

• 1. Line 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
• 2. In large bowl, mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until sticky dough forms.
• 3. Press 2/3 of mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan to form crust. Chill 15 minutes.
• 4. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil together until smooth.
• 5. Pour chocolate filling over chilled crust. Spread evenly.
• 6. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over chocolate layer and gently press down.
• 7. Refrigerate 2 hours until firm. Cut into bars.

Notes

• Use natural peanut butter for healthier version.
• Substitute almond butter for nut-free.
• Store refrigerated up to 1 week or freeze.
• Perfect lunchbox treat or post-workout snack.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: no bake chocolate oatmeal bars, peanut butter chocolate bars, healthy dessert bars