These healthy no-bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars resemble a chocolate rice krispie treat, but better! Each one has a crispy, nutty oat base with a thick layer of dark chocolate on top. They take about 10 minutes to whip up with just 4 wholesome ingredients. Easily made gluten free and dairy free and even your kids will love them!
If you like chocolate & peanut butter then you will LOVE chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars! They have a crispy oat base with hints of peanut butter and honey and topped off with a thick layer of chocolate. They're irresistibly delicious!
You'll also love my nut-free chocolate granola bars and gluten free peanut butter blossom cookies!
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Recipe characteristics
- Made gluten free and diary free with vegan options
- Crispy oat base with a thick layer of dark chocolate on top
- No bake
- Made with only 4 ingredients
- Take only 15 minutes to whip up
- Great for a healthier treat or snack
- Kid approved!
Ingredients and modifications
- I used sprouted oats as they provide some additional nutritional value. However, any style rolled oats (rolled, sprouted, gluten free, whatever fits your fancy) will work with the recipe.
- You can use any kind of nut butter. I love switching up the peanut butter with cashew butter every now and then. Others I recommend are almond butter or a mixed nut butter.
- Honey and oats just go together which is why I used it in this recipe. However, if you’re vegan or prefer an alternative sweetener, I highly recommend pure maple syrup, date syrup, or coconut nectar as a replacement.
- For the chocolate topping, I used vegan and paleo-friendly dark chocolate morsels. The Enjoy Life brand is one of my favorites but feel free to use whichever kind of chocolate you have on hand!
Step by step directions
These no-bake oat bars are super easy to make. This is a great recipe to make with kids! You will need a large mixing bowl, an 8 X 8 pan, and a pot to melt the chocolate.
Step 1 : Prepare the oat mixture
In a bowl, add the rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey and mix well to distribute. The oats should be coated in the peanut butter. This is best done with a rubber spatula or a mixing spoon.
Place a piece of parchment paper in an 8 X 8 pan for easy clean up. This also makes it simple to remove the bars from the pan.
Press the oat mixture into the pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down tightly, especially into the corners.
Step 2 : Melt the chocolate
Place the dark chocolate in a pot and melt on the stove over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning. You can also melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water. This helps to melt the chocolate easily without worrying about it burning.
If the chocolate is looking a little too thick, add a tablespoon of coconut oil to help thin it out.
Pour the melted chocolate over the oat layer and tilt the pan back and forth to move the chocolate around and even it out.
Place the pan in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.
How to cut into bars
It's best to cut these bars while the chocolate is just set and not super hard. I found the idea time to set was 30 - 45 minutes in the fridge. It's okay if they chill for longer, just let the pan thaw for a few minutes to soften the chocolate a little before cutting.
Use a sharp metal knife to cut the bars. For clean and even cuts, wipe off the knife after each cut.
Storing
Transfer the bars to an airtight container and make sure they are neatly stacked on top of each other for easy removal.
- Counter - These bars will keep at room temperature but I recommend not stacking them on to of each other. The chocolate will soften so it's best if the bars are spread out to prevent a chocolaty mess.
- Fridge - This is my preferred method of storing. You can stack them or spread them out if storing the fridge.
- Freezer - You can also freeze these bars in a freezer bag or container. Just let them thaw for a few minutes to soften the bar before biting into it. They will keep for 2 - 3 months in the freezer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, swap the peanut butter with sunflower butter to make these nut free. Also make sure you use a nut-free chocolate.
They will keep for up to a week in the fridge and 2 - 3 months in the freezer.
For more nut butter-forward treats, check out my:
PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!
Recipe
Healthy No-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free rolled oats - I used sprouted
- 1 cup peanut butter - or nut butter of choice
- ⅓ cup honey - or sweetener of choice like maple syrup or date nectar
- 1 ½ cup dark chocolate chips - I used dairy free
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey and mix well with a rubber spatula or mixing spoon. Mix until the oats are well coated.
- Line an 8 X 8 pan with parchment paper and press the oat mixture into the pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to tightly pack it down, especially in the corners.
- Melt chocolate (I use the double-boiler method and place chocolate in a small pot and stack it on top of a larger pot with simmering water and stir until melted) until thin and smooth. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil if the chocolate looks too thick.
- Pour chocolate over top of oats and place in fridge to set for about 30 minutes.
- Take bars out of the fridge just before the chocolate is set (about 30 mins) and cut into squares. You want the chocolate to be slightly soft so it's easy to cut. If the chocolate is hard, let the pan sit out on the counter for a few minutes to soften the chocolate before cutting.
Made these with pumpkin seed butter and turned out delicious! Super easy to make too
Yay! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
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