No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars 

Indulge in the irresistible combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats with these delightful No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring no oven time. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or as a quick energy boost, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the simple joy of creating these delectable treats!

Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter

Directions:

1. Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Line an 8-inch-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
2. Prepare Oat Mixture:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add Oats and Spices:
   • Stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes, until the oats are well coated and slightly toasted.
4. Layer Oat Mixture:
   • Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press it down firmly to form the base layer.
5. Prepare Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer:
   • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and chunky peanut butter. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 40-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted and smooth.
6. Assemble Bars:
   • Pour 4/5 of the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the pressed oats in the baking dish, reserving about 1/4 cup for drizzling. Spread it out evenly over the oats.
7. Top and Drizzle:
   • Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Drizzle the reserved chocolate peanut butter mixture on top.
8. Chill:
   • Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until set.

FAQs:

1. Can I use regular peanut butter instead of chunky?
   • Yes, you can use creamy peanut butter if you prefer a smoother texture in your bars.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?
   • Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
3. How long do these bars last?
   • Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars can last for up to a week.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
   • Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Tips:

1. Press firmly: When layering the oat mixture and chocolate peanut butter mixture, press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together well.
2. Customize toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
3. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or use sweetened chocolate chips.
4. Cut with a sharp knife: For clean and neat slices, use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into squares. Rinse the knife under hot water between cuts for smoother edges.

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