Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required: These bars are incredibly easy to make—just melt, mix, and chill.
Peanut butter and chocolate goodness: A creamy peanut butter layer topped with semisweet chocolate makes for a satisfying, sweet treat.
Perfect for holidays or gatherings: With a crowd-pleasing flavor, they’re great for parties, potlucks, or just keeping around the house for snacking.
Minimal ingredients: Only a few pantry staples needed, making it both budget-friendly and simple.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

directions

Grease a 9-inch square pan and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix in the oats, and cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until well blended.
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Reserve the remaining oat mixture for the topping.
In a small heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the oat base in the pan, spreading evenly with a knife or spoon.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to adhere.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to set.
Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 32
Prep time: 30 minutes
Additional time: 2 hours (for chilling)
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
Dark chocolate: For a richer taste, use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
Nut-free: If you have a nut allergy, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar alternative.
Coconut twist: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the oat mixture for a tropical flavor.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: For a firmer texture, keep the bars refrigerated. They can last for up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: Freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats?

Quick cooking oats work best for the texture, but regular rolled oats can be used as a substitute if needed.

2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture, but smooth peanut butter will give you a more uniform consistency.

3. How long do these bars need to set in the fridge?

Let them chill for at least 2 to 3 hours, or overnight for the best results.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. They hold up well when refrigerated and can even be frozen for later use.

5. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination, depending on your personal preference.

6. How can I make these bars more decadent?

Add an extra layer of melted chocolate or drizzle more peanut butter on top before refrigerating for a richer experience.

7. Do I need to use brown sugar, or can I substitute it?

Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor, but you can substitute it with granulated sugar if needed.

8. Can I make these bars without vanilla extract?

Yes, the vanilla adds flavor, but the bars will still taste great without it.

9. Can I make these bars without peanut butter?

You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut or seed butter.

10. How should I cut these bars?

For clean cuts, let them cool to room temperature before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

Conclusion

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are a quick, easy, and delicious treat that will have everyone asking for more. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can make a satisfying, indulgent snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat, these bars are sure to please!

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

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These No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars combine chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate for a simple yet indulgent treat that requires no baking.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 32 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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

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Instructions

Grease a 9-inch square pan and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix in the oats, and cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until well blended.
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Reserve the remaining oat mixture for the topping.
In a small heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the oat base in the pan, spreading evenly with a knife or spoon.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to adhere.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to set.
Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars and serving.