Description
Chewy, no-bake chunky chocolate peanut butter oat bars feature a toasted oat base topped with a smooth chocolate peanut butter layer. These easy bars are a family-friendly treat that come together quickly with no oven needed.
Ingredients
Oat base
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (240 g) rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) table salt
Chocolate peanut butter
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars later. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and table salt to the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and the oats are slightly toasted.
- Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and press down firmly to create a compact base layer.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour 3/4 of the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the pressed oat base, reserving about 1/4 cup for drizzling.
- Cover with the remaining oat mixture, pressing it down gently but firmly. Drizzle the reserved chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the top layer.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until they are completely firm and set.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole slab from the pan. Cut into 16 squares with a warm, sharp knife. Enjoy!
Notes
Don’t rush the refrigeration step! These bars need a solid 4 hours to firm up properly. If you cut them too soon, you’ll end up with a delicious, gooey mess, not bad, but not neat bars!
For those picture-perfect, clean cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before each slice. This keeps the chocolate from cracking and gives you super smooth edges.
Peanut butter is a classic here, but feel free to get adventurous! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even a sunflower seed butter can totally change the flavour profile. Just make sure it’s a creamy, stirrable variety for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Category: Bars
- Method: No Bake