No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Chewy, fudgy, and ready in 15 minutes—no oven needed!

These bars taste like a cross between chocolate fudge and granola bars, with a rich peanut butter-chocolate layer sandwiched between hearty oats. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or dessert!

📜 INGREDIENTS (Makes 16 squares)

Base & Topping:

• 1 cup (225g) creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)

• ½ cup (170g) honey or maple syrup

• 3 tbsp coconut oil or butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 3 cups (270g) rolled oats (quick oats work too)

Chocolate Filling:

• 1¼ cups (225g) dark chocolate chips

• ½ cup (130g) peanut butter

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

(Optional add-ins: shredded coconut, chia seeds, chopped nuts, or dried fruit!)

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line an 8×8″ pan with parchment paper (let edges hang over for easy removal).

2. Make the oat layer:

   • In a saucepan, melt peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt over low heat until smooth.

   • Remove from heat, stir in oats until fully coated.

3. Press half the oat mix firmly into the pan. Chill 10 mins.

4. Make the chocolate layer:

   • Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil (microwave in 30-sec bursts or double boiler). Stir until glossy.

5. Assemble:

   • Pour chocolate over the chilled oat layer. Spread evenly.

   • Crumble remaining oat mix on top, pressing lightly.

6. Chill 2+ hours (or freeze 30 mins) until set. Slice into bars!

💡 TIPS & TWEAKS

• Gluten-free? Use certified GF oats.

• Vegan? Swap honey for maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate.

• Extra protein? Add 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder to the oat mix.

• Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (or freeze for 3 months).

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE

✅ 5-minute active prep
✅ Naturally sweetened (no refined sugar)
✅ Kid-friendly & customizable

Pack them for hikes, or enjoy with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up! ☕ Let me know if you’d like a nut-free version. 😊