No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

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Need a sweet treat that doesn’t require heat? These No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars; are the answer! They come together in minutes with simple pantry staples and set up beautifully in the fridge—no oven required. My kids love helping press the oat mixture into the pan and sneaking chocolate chips while we wait for them to chill. This recipe is one of those quick fixes that delivers big flavor with hardly any effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready to chill in just 15 minutes of prep.
• No Bake: Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Family Favorite: A treat that’s chewy, chocolatey, and a little bit crunchy.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything; on hand already!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

How To Make No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

1. Prepare the Pan – Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
2. Cook the Oats – Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats and cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes, until well blended. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the other half for topping.
3. Make the Filling – In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed oats.
4. Top It Off – Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently.
5. Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours or overnight. Let it come to room temperature before cutting into bars.

Tips & Tricks

• Line your pan with parchment paper for easier lifting and slicing.
• Swap the semisweet chips for dark chocolate if you like a richer flavor.
• Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the oat mixture for extra crunch.
• Store in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze for a longer treat stash!

FAQ

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
  Yes, but the texture will be chewier and less soft.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
  Absolutely! Any nut butter will work here.

How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
Ensure that you press the oat layers firmly into the pan and allow sufficient chilling time.

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