These No Bake Chunky Chocolate Oatmeal Bars offer a twist on traditional snacks, combining the heartiness of oats with the sweetness of chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect as a quick school snack or a no-fuss dessert, these bars are not only easy to make but also a hit with kids and adults alike. With no baking required, they’re an excellent option for those warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven!
quick and effortless prep
One of the best parts about this recipe is how little effort it requires. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or techniques – a simple saucepan and some stirring is all you need! This simplicity makes it a fun recipe to involve kids in the kitchen, teaching them the joys of making homemade treats while creating cute delicious memories!
Every time I whip up these bars for family gatherings or school events, they disappear in minutes. The combo of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate on top of a chewy oat base is just so classic. What I love most is how they offer a different way to enjoy oats, turning a typically breakfast ingredient into a treat that you can enjoy at any time of day.
adaptable and versatile
These oatmeal bars are wonderfully adaptable. While the recipe calls for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, swapping them for white chocolate or adding nuts can offer a new flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of raisins, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of coconut, each variation brings its own unique twist, making this recipe a versatile foundation for your creativity.
🧡 WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Quick and easy to prepare with no baking required.
- Kid-friendly and perfect as a school snack.
- A tasty and different way to enjoy oats.
- Less mess and minimal clean-up needed.
- Can be customized with various add-ins like nuts or seeds.
🔪 KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
- 8-inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Refrigerator (duh.)
🥚 INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a delicious treat:
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar: Can substitute with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
- Pure vanilla extract
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture; instant oats are not recommended as they can become too soft.
- Ground cinnamon
- Table salt
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: Depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Peanut butter: Creamy is best for smooth texture, but crunchy can add more texture if preferred.
*These are the main ingredients. The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found at the bottom of this post!*
📝 HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
1. Line an 8-inch by 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until well combined and slightly toasted.
4. Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and press firmly to form the base layer.
5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
6. Pour 3/4 of the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the pressed oat layer, reserving about 1/4 cup for the topping. Cover with the remaining oat mixture, pressing it down gently.
7. Drizzle the reserved chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the top layer.
8. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until set. Once completely cooled, cut into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy!
☝🏻 Tips and tricks
- Line the pan with enough parchment to overhang the sides for easy removal.
- Press the oat mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling.
- Chill the bars sufficiently to ensure they set properly.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
- Store the bars in the fridge to maintain freshness.
are these bars gluten free?
Yes, these oatmeal bars are gluten-free. Make sure that the rolled oats you’re using are certified gluten-free. Cross-contamination can be an issue with oats, so it’s important to choose a brand that guarantees gluten-free products if you’re sensitive or allergic to gluten!
Why do my bars fall apart when cutting?
If your bars are crumbling when you cut them, it might be due to a few factors. Make sure to press the oat mixture very firmly into the pan before adding the chocolate layer. Also, ensure the bars are fully chilled and set before slicing—letting them sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight is best. Using a sharp, warm knife can also help make cleaner cuts (I dipped my knife in hot water and whipped and redipped after every slice).
How can I add more protein to these bars?
To increase the protein content of these bars, consider adding a scoop of your favourite protein powder to the oat mixture, or use a higher-protein nut butter such as almond butter. You could also sprinkle chopped nuts or hemp seeds into the mix for an additional protein boost and extra texture.
HOW CAN I STORE THIS?
For best results, store these no-bake oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also store them in the freezer where they will last for up to a month. Just let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
And that’s it! Enjoy these easy, delicious bars anytime as a quick snack or a sweet treat!
Tag me on Instagram or Tiktok or DM me a photo if you make this recipe!
No Bake Chunky Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick & easy No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars—perfect for snacks and busy days! No oven needed, just deliciousness in every bite. Also gluten-free!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup semi sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch by 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cook the Oats: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until well combined and slightly toasted.
- Layer the Mixture: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and press firmly to form the base layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour 3/4 of the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the pressed oat layer, reserving about 1/4 cup for the topping. Cover with the remaining oat mixture, pressing it down gently. Drizzle the reserved chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the top layer.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until set. Once completely cooled, cut into 16 squares with a warm knife. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Sweetness Adjustment: The reduced amount of brown sugar makes these bars less sweet while still maintaining a delicious balance with the chocolate.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars make a great snack or dessert and pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cooling: 4 hours
- Category: Bars
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 10
- Fat: 21
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 3
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