Chocolate and oatmeal are a pretty perfect combination. If you’ve tried my brownie baked oatmeal before, you already know this. Using this combination to make dessert bars has been a no-brainer and these chocolate oatmeal bars are a firm favorite! My chocolate oatmeal bars recipe is made from a mixture of oats, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and peanut butter that are pressed into a baking pan and chilled until they become firm and chewy. Inspired by my crunch bars and kit kat bars, they make a fabulous chocolate fix.
Why you’ll love this recipe
It’s so versatile. It could be a snack, a dessert, a healthy treat, or something to bring to an office potluck or brunch! Minimal ingredients. Five easy ingredients and five minutes of preparation are all you’ll need to whip these delicious bars up, and it’s completely foolproof. Dietary friendly. They also happen to be completely vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Perfect texture and flavor. Taste-wise, they are sweet and LOADED with chocolate and peanut butter flavor. In terms of texture, they are somewhat chewy, thick, and satisfying- you won’t stop at one!
Ingredients needed
These oatmeal bars call for simple pantry staples that you may already have on hand.
Rolled Oats. Also known as old-fashioned oats. They give the oatmeal bars the ideal chewy texture. You can use quick-cooking oats if that is all you have on hand. Peanut Butter. Opt for the smooth and creamy variety with no added sugar. If you can’t tolerate peanuts or just aren’t a fan of them, you can use almond butter or cashew butter. If you’d like these bars to be completely nut-free, try using tahini or sunflower seed butter. Chocolate Chips. Any chocolate chips of choice will work, including dairy free and sugar free ones. I typically use semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pure maple Syrup. A liquid sweetener makes the bars smoother to bite into, along with some creaminess. Coconut Oil. Keeps the bars stable at room temperature but is also easier to bite into! Opt for refined coconut oil to ensure there is no coconut flavor!
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make no bake chocolate oat bars
Making them requires very little prep, and the hard part is waiting for them to firm up! Step 1- Prep. Start by placing peanut butter, coconut oil, chocolate chips, and maple syrup into a microwave-safe bowl. Alternatively, you can use a saucepan. Melt the ingredients until smooth and gloss. Stir through your oats, ensuring it is properly mixed into them. Step 2- Set. Finally, transfer the chocolate mixture into a lined pan (8 x 8 inches works well for me). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so that it firms up. Once firm, slice up into bars.
Recipe tips and variations
Use a slightly wet knife to slice these into bars. It will make it so much easier to cut into. If you choose the microwave option, keep a firm eye while everything is heating up. Chocolate can burn quite easily. Feel free to add some mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover no-bake bars can keep well at room temperature in a sealed container. They will keep well, covered for up to 1 week. To keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator. To freeze: Place chocolate oat bars in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag, and store them in the freezer. They will keep well frozen for up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
More easy no bake desserts to try
No bake oatmeal cookies No bake oatmeal bars No bake peanut butter chocolate cookies
