These No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something sweet and chewy without the hassle of baking. They feature a rich oatmeal base, a decadent chocolate-peanut butter filling, and require minimal effort to whip up. Ideal for an easy snack or a satisfying dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet indulgent these bars are! They are:
Made with pantry staples, saving time and effort.
Perfect for hot days when turning on the oven is the last thing I want to do.
Easily customizable with additional ingredients like nuts or dried fruit.
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
Directions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
Add the quick oats to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oats are well coated and slightly toasted.
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.
Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat layer in the dish, spreading it evenly.
Press the remaining oat mixture on top of the chocolate layer, gently patting it down to create a uniform layer.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal per bar
Variations
Add-ins: I sometimes mix in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the oat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Extra Sweetness: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top layer before refrigerating.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freezer: These bars freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If the bars feel too firm from the fridge, I let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
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FAQs
How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
Make sure to press the layers firmly into the dish, especially the oat layers, and allow enough chilling time for them to set properly.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly chewier. Quick oats are better for a compact, cohesive bar.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use plant-based chocolate chips.
How do I cut clean squares without making a mess?
I recommend using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts. It’s also easier to cut the bars after they’ve been out of the fridge for a few minutes.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether I’m making them for a mid-week snack or a party treat, they never fail to impress. With easy customization options and a no-fuss process, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
📖 Recipe:
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Best No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars, a perfect sweet treat combining chewy oatmeal layers with a luscious chocolate-peanut butter filling. Quick, easy, and made with pantry staples, these bars are freezer-friendly and ideal for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved.
- Add quick oats, cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until coated.
- Line an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper. Spread half of the oat mixture evenly at the base.
- Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave until smooth. Spread over the oat layer.
- Top with remaining oat mixture, gently patting to form a uniform layer.
- Chill for 2 hours. Slice and serve.
Notes
For add-ins, try nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.
Dairy-free options include substituting butter with coconut oil.
To prevent crumbling, press layers firmly and chill sufficiently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 210 kcal per bar
