No-bake chocolate oat bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that requires minimal effort and no oven time. Here’s a basic recipe for you to follow:
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, as per your preference)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter of your choice)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option, use maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, like almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter)
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften it. Stir until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the peanut butter and honey mixture.
- Add the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using) to the bowl. Mix everything together until the oats and other ingredients are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to help smooth the surface.
- To make the chocolate topping, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the oat base in the pan.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2-3 hours or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Once the bars are set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
- Serve and enjoy! Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm.
These no-bake chocolate oat bars are a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to your taste by adding ingredients like dried fruits, coconut flakes, or different types of nuts. They make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.
