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No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe

4.6 from 92 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars that combine buttery oats with rich chocolate and peanut butter layers. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack without the need for an oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Layers

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups rolled oats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges to easily lift the bars out later. Optionally, use a 9×13-inch dish for thinner bars.
  2. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until the butter has fully melted and the sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Add Oats: Mix the rolled oats into the melted butter and sugar mixture. Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring continuously until well blended.
  4. Layer Base: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared dish. Spread and press it evenly to form the first layer. Reserve the remaining oat mixture for the top layer.
  5. Melt Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and combined.
  6. Add Chocolate Layer: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat base, reserving about 1/4 cup for drizzling. Spread evenly over the bottom layer.
  7. Add Top Layer and Drizzle: Pour the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to form the top layer. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture on top for decorative finish.
  8. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours or overnight until set. Before cutting, bring the bars to room temperature for best texture.
  9. Note on Texture: The texture depends on the cooking time of the sugar mixture. Under-boiling can cause softness while overcooking can result in dry, crumbly bars.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper with overhangs to easily lift bars from the pan.
  • Adjust the cooking time of the sugar mixture carefully to control bar texture.
  • You can substitute dark chocolate chips for semisweet for a richer flavor.
  • Refrigerate overnight for firmer bars and better flavor melding.

Keywords: No Bake Bars, Chocolate Oatmeal Bars, Peanut Butter Bars, No Bake Dessert, Easy Dessert, No Oven Dessert