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Here are the simple ingredients you need to make No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars. These items are easy to find and combine well for a tasty treat. - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) Each ingredient has a role. The oats give a hearty base. Peanut butter adds creaminess, while honey or maple syrup brings sweetness. Cocoa powder provides rich chocolate flavor. Mini chocolate chips add fun bursts of chocolate. Salt enhances all the flavors, and vanilla adds a nice aroma. If you want a crunch, nuts are a great choice! Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. This helps the bars hold together well. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste. For example, use almond butter instead of peanut butter. Enjoy the process of mixing these delicious ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take a large mixing bowl. Combine 2 cups of rolled oats with 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Use a whisk or spatula to mix them well. This step makes sure that the oats and cocoa blend evenly. Next, grab a small saucepan. Set it over low heat. Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup). Stir continuously. Melt the mixture until it becomes smooth and well mixed. Remove it from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is combined. Now, pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Make sure every piece of oat and cocoa gets coated in the chocolatey goodness. This creates a rich and tasty base. After that, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. This adds crunch and flavor. Ensure they are well mixed into the batter. Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later. Transfer the mixture into the dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. Make sure it is even and compact on top. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. This step is key for them to set and become firm. Once they are chilled, lift them out using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your delicious no-bake chocolate oatmeal bars! Chilling the bars is key for the right texture. After mixing, press the mixture into your baking dish and refrigerate for at least two hours. This step helps the bars firm up. If you skip this, your bars may crumble when cut. For a beautiful display, arrange the bars on a nice platter. Dust them lightly with cocoa powder. You can also sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. This adds charm and makes them look gourmet. Feel free to get creative with flavors. Try different nut butters like almond or cashew. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon for a warm flavor. Another idea is to use flavored extracts, like almond or coconut, to change the taste. Pro Tips Chill Time is Key: Ensure you refrigerate the bars for a full 2 hours to achieve a firm texture that holds together well when cut. Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a unique flavor and crunch in your bars. Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to increase the honey or maple syrup slightly to suit your taste. Storage Tips: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for best freshness. {{image_4}} You can make these bars even healthier. Swap honey for mashed banana. This will cut added sugar. The banana adds natural sweetness. You still get that great chewy texture. You can also use almond butter instead of peanut butter. This option works well for a nut-free treat. Want to spice things up? Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm flavor. You can also try vanilla or almond extract. Each adds a different twist to the bars. For a minty surprise, add peppermint extract. These small changes can make a big difference. If you want vegan bars, use maple syrup instead of honey. This simple swap makes the bars plant-based. For gluten-free options, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This will keep everyone safe and happy. You can also skip the chocolate chips or use dairy-free ones. Enjoy your treats no matter your dietary needs! To keep your no-bake chocolate oatmeal bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers of bars. This helps prevent them from sticking together. The container should go in the fridge. These bars last about one week in the fridge. After that, they may lose their texture and flavor. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. To freeze your bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy them once they are soft again! No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars can last quite a while. If you store them in the pantry, they stay fresh for about a week. However, if you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. The cool air in the fridge helps keep them firm and tasty. Yes, you can use other sweeteners! Maple syrup works well and gives a nice flavor. You can also use agave syrup for a vegan option. If you want to cut sugar, try stevia or erythritol. Each sweetener will change the taste slightly, so pick one you enjoy. Yes! These bars can be gluten-free if you choose the right oats. Look for oats labeled as gluten-free. Some oats may get cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. Always check the label to be sure. Enjoy these bars without worry! Definitely! If you want nut-free bars, simply swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. This swap keeps the bars creamy and adds a unique flavor. You can also skip nuts altogether if you prefer. The bars will still taste great and be safe for those with nut allergies! You can make delicious no-bake chocolate oatmeal bars with simple, healthy ingredients. We covered the ingredients you need, from oats to mini chocolate chips, and we walked through each step to make them. I shared tips for perfecting texture and ideas for tasty variations. Remember to store your bars right to keep them fresh. These treats are easy to customize for different diets, making them perfect for everyone. Enjoy making and sharing your creations!

Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make no-bake chocolate oatmeal bars, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and unsweetened cocoa powder. Use a whisk or a spatula to ensure the two ingredients are evenly blended.
  • In a small saucepan, set over low heat, add the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir continuously until the mixture melts together smoothly and becomes homogenous.
  • Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully combined.
  • Pour the luscious melted mixture over the oat and cocoa combination in the mixing bowl. Using a spatula, fold the ingredients together until every oat and cocoa particle is thoroughly coated with the chocolatey mixture.
  • Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips and any optional chopped nuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture for an added texture and flavor.
  • Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, making sure it overlaps the edges for easy removal later. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands until it’s compact and smooth on the surface.
  • Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set and become firm. This step is vital for achieving the right texture.
  • Once the bars are fully chilled and set, carefully lift them out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles as desired.

Notes

Arrange the bars on a decorative platter, lightly dust them with cocoa powder, and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a delightful finishing touch that enhances their visual appeal.
Keyword bars, chocolate, dessert, no-bake, oatmeal