No Bake Chocolate Oat Bar – A Healthy & Indulgent Treat
If you are looking for a simple, quick, and incredibly delicious dessert, then these No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are the perfect recipe. They combine wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate into chewy, fudgy layers that taste like a treat but can also be enjoyed as a snack. The best part? They require no oven, no complicated steps, and only a handful of ingredients you probably already have at home.
This recipe is great for busy families, after-school snacks, holiday platters, or even meal prep because the bars store beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you will love how easy these bars come together.
Ingredients
For the Oat Layer:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (240 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for variation)
Optional Toppings:
- Sea salt flakes
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oat Base
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla, cooking until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the oats are fully coated in the butter-sugar mixture.
- Remove from the heat.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Layer
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
- Melt them together using a double boiler method or in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring in between) until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create the base layer.
- Spread the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the oats.
- Top with the remaining oat mixture, pressing gently so it sticks but still leaves some chocolate peeking through.
Step 4: Chill & Set
- Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for quick snacks!
Variations & Customizations
- Healthy Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or granola for texture.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a pretty finish.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
No oven required – just mix, melt, and chill
Customizable with endless toppings
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Stores well, making them perfect for make-ahead snacks
These No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars are proof that you don’t need complicated steps to enjoy a decadent treat. With their rich chocolate layer and chewy oat base, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition