Description
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and oats into a deliciously chewy and satisfying treat. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bars require no baking and set in the refrigerator, making them an easy and convenient homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Chocolate
- 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup mini sweetened chocolate chips (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Wet a piece of parchment paper and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with it, ensuring it sticks firmly in place. Alternatively, use nonstick cooking spray. This will help with easy removal of the bars later.
- Melt butter mixture: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add oats and coconut: Stir in the quick cooking oats and unsweetened coconut flakes to the butter mixture until fully combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Melt chocolate and peanut butter: In a separate small pot over medium heat, combine the mini semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer the bottom oats: Spoon half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and press firmly and evenly into the bottom to form a solid base layer.
- Add the chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the bottom oat layer in the dish.
- Top with remaining oats: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Add topping chocolate chips: Sprinkle the optional mini sweetened chocolate chips on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Press layers firmly: Gently press the chocolate chips and oat mixture into the chocolate layer below to ensure all ingredients stick together well.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the bars to firm up.
- Cut and serve: After chilling, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into 9 or 16 squares as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using quick cooking oats helps the bars hold together better and creates a chewy texture.
- Wetting the parchment paper before lining the pan prevents it from sliding around and popping up during assembly.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- The chocolate chips on top are optional but add an extra touch of chocolate flavor and crunch.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
