Chewy oats, peanut butter, cocoa, and a thin chocolate topping make satisfying no-bake bars with pantry staples.
No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe
Prep: 15 minutes Warm: 3 minutes Chill: 2 hours Total: 2 hours 18 minutes Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang.
- Warm peanut butter and honey in a saucepan over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Stir in cocoa and salt until smooth, then fold in oats until every flake is coated.
- Press the mixture very firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
- Melt chocolate chips with neutral oil in short microwave bursts, stirring every 20 seconds. Spread over the oat layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm. Lift from the pan and cut into 16 bars.
Why this recipe works
Gently warming the peanut butter and honey makes an even binder, while firm packing and thorough chilling keep the bars neat and chewy.
Helpful tips
- Use regular creamy peanut butter; very runny natural peanut butter may produce softer bars.
- Press firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup so the bars hold together.
- Use certified gluten-free oats when needed.
Storage
Keep the bars refrigerated in a covered container for up to 1 week, separating layers with parchment. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator.
Food-safety note: These bars contain peanuts; use a suitable alternative and verify every label for anyone with an allergy.
Estimated nutrition
Per bar: 225 calories, 6 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, and 13 g fat. Estimates vary by brands and portions.
Helpful kitchen gear
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