No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Ingredients

1 c. unsalted butter

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 c. quick cooking oats

1 c. semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

Chocolate chips for drizzle

Instructions

Prepare a 9×9 inch pan by greasing it.

In a saucepan melt the butter. Then add the sugar, vanilla and oats. Cook this mixture for a period of time.

Take half of the mixture. Press it into the greased pan.

In another saucepan melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together. Pour this mixture over the layer of oats, in the pan.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the chocolate peanut butter layer.

Melt some chocolate chips. Drizzle them over the bars.

Place the pan in the refrigerator for a few hours until everything has set properly.

Before cutting into bars and enjoying them make sure to bring them to room temperature.

Notes

Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, especially oats and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free.

Adjusting Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Adding Crunch: Mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the oat mixture for additional texture.

Uniform Layers: Press the oat mixture firmly and evenly in the pan to ensure consistent layers.

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a different flavor profile.

Healthier Option: Substitute part of the butter with coconut oil or applesauce for a lower-fat version.

Chocolate Alternatives: Use white chocolate or butterscotch chips for different flavor combinations.

Troubleshooting:

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Bars Too Soft: Ensure the oat mixture is cooked properly and the bars are well chilled before serving.

Bars Too Hard: Avoid overcooking the oat mixture and let the bars come to room temperature before cutting.

Layer Separation: Press the oat mixture firmly and ensure the chocolate-peanut butter layer is spread evenly.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based butter and vegan chocolate chips, you can make this recipe vegan.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats?

Yes, but the texture will be chewier.

You may need to cook the mixture slightly longer.

How do I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap them individually and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

Coconut sugar or white granulated sugar can be used, though the flavor and texture might slightly differ.

Are there other mix-ins I can add?

Yes, nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut can be added to the oat mixture.

How do I ensure the bars don’t stick to the pan?

Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make this recipe without chocolate?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate and just make oat-peanut butter bars.

How can I make the bars firmer?

Cook the oat mixture a bit longer to reduce moisture content, and ensure the bars are fully chilled before cutting.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be used as alternatives.