No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars with this easy baking recipe. These delicious treats feature a perfect balance of buttery oats and rich chocolate that set up in the refrigerator - no oven required! The ultimate quick dessert for chocolate lovers.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

16 bars

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">170g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g rolled oats (not quick-cooking)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">125g dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g smooth peanut butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp sea salt</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

🫀 Cholesterol:

🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">20cm (8-inch) square baking tin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help with easy removal later. Make sure to press the paper into the corners for clean-edged bars.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbling at the edges, about 2-3 minutes. The heat helps dissolve the sugar crystals, preventing a grainy texture in the finished bars.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately add the rolled oats and mix thoroughly until every oat is coated with the butter-sugar mixture. This coating will help the bars hold together once chilled.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Press approximately two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared tin, creating an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or glass to really compact the mixture - this is crucial for bars that hold together well. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the chocolate filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth. The peanut butter not only adds flavor but also gives the chocolate layer a silkier texture that cuts more cleanly when chilled.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat base, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the chocolate - this will enhance the chocolate flavor by creating a wonderful sweet-salty contrast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Gently press it down just enough to adhere to the chocolate without pushing it into the chocolate layer completely. You want the distinct layers to be visible when cut.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until completely set. The chocolate layer should be firm to the touch. Patience during this cooling step is essential for clean-cutting bars that hold their shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the tin. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the neatest presentation. For the cleanest cuts, run your knife under hot water and dry it before each slice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. If serving from the refrigerator, you may want to let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly for the best texture.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe?

The main ingredients are unsalted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, rolled oats, dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa), smooth peanut butter, and sea salt. These simple pantry staples combine to create the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavours.

How to cook No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars by melting butter with brown sugar, mixing in oats and vanilla, pressing most into a tin, preparing a chocolate-peanut butter layer to pour over, crumbling remaining oats on top, then refrigerating until set. No oven required - just a saucepan, mixing bowl and refrigerator for this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Can I make these chocolate oat bars without peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond, cashew or sunflower seed butter for allergy concerns. For a nut-free version, try cookie butter (speculoos) or coconut butter. The substitute should have a similar consistency to maintain the correct texture in the chocolate layer.

How long do no-bake dessert bars last in the fridge?

No-bake chocolate oat bars will stay fresh for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Ensure they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn and allow to thaw for 15-20 minutes before serving.

What type of oats work best for no-bake treats?

Traditional rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best for no-bake desserts because they provide the ideal chewy texture and structural integrity. Quick-cooking or instant oats are too fine and can create a mushy consistency, while steel-cut oats remain too firm and won't bind properly with the other ingredients.

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