Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any time of the day. Combining wholesome rolled oats, creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and sweet honey, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures without requiring any baking. Easy to prepare and customizable with optional toppings, these bars are a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- ½ cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Shredded coconut
- Crushed nuts
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the mixing bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Heat wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, gently warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and easily stirrable. This usually takes about 20-30 seconds in the microwave or low heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to overheat.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warmed peanut butter and honey mixture into the bowl with the oats and cocoa powder. Add the vanilla extract. Stir everything thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and the mixture is sticky and well combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without melting them.
- Press the mixture into a pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the oat mixture into the pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture well.
- Add optional toppings: Sprinkle shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Press lightly so they stick.
- Chill to set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and set properly.
- Slice and serve: Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars of your preferred size and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water or additional peanut butter to help bind.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for freshness.
- You can customize the bars by adding dried fruit, seeds, or different types of nut butter.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together better after chilling.
