Description
These no bake chocolate oatmeal bars are a deliciously easy dessert or snack featuring buttery oats, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter. Ready in just a few minutes with no oven required, they set in the fridge to create a chewy, chocolatey treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 1 Cup butter
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Cups quick cooking oats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping
- 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 Cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch pan with a square piece of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Microwave for about 2 minutes until the butter is melted. Stir well until the mixture turns a caramel color and the sugar fully dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Oats: Stir in the vanilla extract and quick-cooking oats into the melted butter mixture. Microwave this oat mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes so the oats absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Press Oat Mixture: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Melt on half power in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30-60 seconds to prevent scorching and ensure smoothness.
- Reserve Some Mixture: Spoon ¼ cup of the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture into a small zip-top bag and set aside for later decorating.
- Assemble Layers: Pour the remaining chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat base, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Snip a small corner off the zip-top bag and drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture decoratively over the top of the bars.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours to allow them to set completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy your no bake chocolate oatmeal treats!
Notes
- Use quick cooking oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats will result in a different consistency.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, use natural peanut butter without added sugar.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with seed butter like sunflower seed butter.
- Microwave timings may vary; adjust accordingly and watch closely to avoid burning the chocolate.
