This is the ultimate indulgence—a first no-bake sweet treat with which we need not even switch on the oven! The combination of oats with a complete tasty chocolate overlay is one of the most special ingredients in this recipe. They are simply put-together and require few ingredients. These are good for sustaining one’s craving for anything sweet, or having them quickly as a snack; they can even stand out as dessert.” With their hearty oat base blending with the creamy fillings of chocolate and peanut butter, they will become your sole family recipe. Shall we start with this easy and yummy recipe?
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Ingredients
For the Oat Base:
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick)
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Rolled oats (3 cups)
- Salt (¼ tsp)
For the Chocolate Layer:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oat Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Add the rolled oats and salt to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the oats are slightly toasted and coated with the butter mixture. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Alternatively, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a firm base layer. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the oat layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Top the chocolate layer with the remaining oat mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate layer is firm and the bars are set.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the dish. Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy these rich and chewy treats!
Serving and Storage Tips
You can either eat them at room temperature or cold, which would make an amazing snack or dessert.
Best to store any remaining bits in the fridge in an air-tight container safely up to a week. Or store in a freezer using either plastic wrap, separated individually, or simply in a freezer-safe bag up to 2 months; best is to thaw in the fridge first before consuming or leave them out.
Helpful Notes
If you want to make them dairy-free too, use dairy-free margarine and dairy-free chocolate chips in the recipe.
If you like, add some chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruits to the oat mixture for a bit more flavor.
Increase the quantity of chocolate chips to 1 1/2 cups if you wish to have the chocolate layer thicker.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Giada De Laurentiis suggests adding a pinch of sea salt on top! Terrific sweet and protective contrast.
Ina Garten suggests using some bright chocolate for the greatest flavor.
Rachael Ray suggests adding mini chocolate chips or toffee bits to your oat mix for added texture and intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the effect varies. Rolled oats bring a chewier texture, whereas the quick oats are softer.
What if I lack peanut butter?
Almond butter or cashew butter or sunflower seed butter can substitute for it for a different flavor.
How can I make these bars vegan?
Use dairy-free butter, chocolate chips, and ensure your brown sugar is vegan.
Can I add other ingredients to the oat mixture?
Yeah! Vanilla, salt, maple syrup, and olive oil would nicely pair with ingredients like nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruits for flavor and texture.
How do I stop the bars from sticking to the dish?
Using a parchment paper-lined baking dish with an overhang of parchment paper to easily lift out the dish after they have been chilled is suggested.
Can I use dark chocolate as a substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Sure, dark chocolate would be less sweet and more intense in flavor.
How long do these bars need to set?
2-3 hours is suggested for setting, but overnight for the chocolate to set completely. What about nuking chocolate? Sure, as an alternative, painstakingly do it on the stovetop, so it doesn’t seize—it gives a variety of texture and flavor—and mix things up without it the article’s repercussions.
What should be served with these bars?
How about a glass of milk or coffee, a scoop of ice cream like me?!
How to cut these bars in clean?
Use a very sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat, clean squares.
Enjoy these No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars now- a quick, delicious nibble to get you through any time of day!
