No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
These No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a quick, delicious treat combining chewy oats and chocolate that's perfect for satisfying afternoon cravings without any baking required.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats Make sure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
- 1 cup peanut butter Creamy or crunchy, depending on preference.
- 1 cup honey Or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Semi-sweet or dark.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and cocoa powder. Stir until well mixed.
- In a small saucepan, heat the peanut butter and honey over low heat until smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and cocoa powder mixture. Stir until fully combined and no dry oats remain.
- Fold in the chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down firmly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set. Once solid, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
For the best texture, press the mixture firmly into the dish to prevent crumbling. Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer lasting freshness. For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter or tahini.