Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a deliciously satisfying treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they offer a great balance of sweetness and wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or refined coconut oil (not liquid)
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups oats
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• ¾ cup natural peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter or coconut oil.
3. Step 3: Add the coconut sugar and vanilla extract, stirring together over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Stir in the oats, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Keep stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Step 5: Pour just over half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Use a flat spatula to press it evenly into the pan. Set the remaining oat mixture aside.
6. Step 6: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is fully melted.
7. Step 7: Pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the oat layer in the 8×8 dish, reserving 2 to 3 tablespoons for drizzling on top.
8. Step 8: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer, then drizzle the reserved chocolate peanut butter mixture on top.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate until set and firm, about 2 hours.
10. Step 10: Slice into 16 squares and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use either butter or refined coconut oil depending on your preference for flavor and dietary needs.
• For added texture, try mixing chopped nuts or dried fruit into the oat mixture before pressing it into the pan.
• Swap dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate to adjust sweetness.
• To make these bars vegan, use refined coconut oil and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture might be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?

Refrigeration helps the bars set firmly and keeps them fresh longer, but they can be stored at room temperature for a day or two if needed.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate and natural peanut butter with wholesome oats, creating a deliciously chewy and satisfying treat. Perfect for a quick snack or an energy boost, this no-bake recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver bars that set in the fridge for a healthy-ish indulgence.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or refined coconut oil
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups oats
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• ¾ cup natural peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside to make removal easy after chilling.
2. Melt butter or coconut oil: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter or refined coconut oil slowly to avoid burning.
3. Add sugar and vanilla: Stir in the coconut sugar and vanilla extract into the melted butter or oil and keep stirring gently over medium heat to combine evenly.
4. Incorporate oats mixture: Add oats, ground cinnamon, and sea salt to the saucepan. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes ensuring all oats are coated and slightly toasted but not burnt. Remove from heat.
5. Form the base layer: Pour just over half the oat mixture into the lined baking dish. Use a flat spatula to press and flatten it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Set the remaining oat mixture aside.
6. Melt chocolate and peanut butter: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the dark chocolate chips and natural peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and the chocolate has melted.
7. Assemble the bars: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat base layer in the baking dish, reserving 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture for drizzling.
8. Add the top oat layer: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
9. Drizzle topping: Drizzle the reserved chocolate peanut butter mixture on top of the crumbled oats for a decorative finish.
10. Chill to set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours or until the bars are fully set and firm to the touch.
11. Cut and serve: Once set, remove from the fridge, lift out using the parchment paper, and slice into 16 equal squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use refined coconut oil if opting for coconut oil to avoid a strong coconut flavor and to keep the bars firm.
• For chewier bars, press the oat layer firmly into the pan.
• You can substitute dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate based on your preference.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• For a vegan version, ensure peanut butter and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• These bars are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.

Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, No-Bake Bars, Oats Snack, Healthy Snack, Gluten Free Snack, Peanut Butter Chocolate Recipe