These easy chocolate oatmeal bars are an easy 5-ingredient no bake dessert recipe that comes together in minutes!
Chocolate and oatmeal are a pretty perfect combination.
If you’ve tried our chocolate no bake cookies or chocolate baked oatmeal before, you already know this.
Using this combination to make dessert bars has been a no-brainer and these chocolate oat bars are a firm favorite!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
My chocolate oatmeal bars recipe is made from a mixture of oats, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and peanut butter that are pressed into a baking pan and chilled until they become firm and chewy. Inspired by my crunch and kit kat bars, they make a fabulous chocolate fix.
- It’s so versatile. It could be a snack, a dessert, a healthy treat, or something to bring to an office potluck or brunch!
- Minimal ingredients. Five easy ingredients and five minutes of preparation are all you’ll need to whip these delicious bars up, and it’s completely foolproof!
- Dietary friendly. They also happen to be completely vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
- Incredibly delicious. Taste-wise, they are sweet and LOADED with chocolate and peanut butter flavor. In terms of texture, they are somewhat chewy, thick, and satisfying- you won’t stop at one!
How to make chocolate oatmeal bars
These oatmeal bars call for simple pantry staples that you may already have on hand. Making them requires very little prep, and the hard part is waiting for them to firm up! Find the exact measurements and instructions in the print-friendly recipe below.
The Ingredients
- Rolled Oats. Also known as old-fashioned oats. They give the oatmeal bars the ideal chewy texture. You can use quick-cooking oats if that is all you have on hand.
- Peanut Butter. Opt for the smooth and creamy variety with no added sugar.
Substitution idea
If you can’t tolerate peanuts or just aren’t a fan of them, you can use almond or cashew butter. If you’d like these bars to be completely nut-free, try using tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Chocolate Chips. Any chocolate chips of choice will work, including dairy free and sugar free ones.
- Maple Syrup. A liquid sweetener makes the bars smoother to bite into, along with some creaminess.
- Coconut Oil. Keeps the bars stable at room temperature but is also easier to bite into! Opt for refined coconut oil to ensure there is no coconut flavor!
The instructions
Start by placing peanut butter, coconut oil, chocolate chips, and maple syrup into a microwave-safe bowl. Alternatively, you can use a saucepan. Heat the ingredients until the chocolate and coconut oil has melted. Whisk the mixture together until smooth and glossy.
Next, stir through your oats, ensuring it is properly mixed into them. Finally, transfer the mixture into a lined pan (8 x 8 inches works well for me). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so that it firms up. Once firm, slice up into bars.
Tips to make the best chocolate oat bars
- Use a slightly wet knife to slice these into bars. It will make it so much easier to cut into.
- If you choose the microwave option, keep a firm eye while everything is heating up. Chocolate can burn quite easily.
- Feel free to add some mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover no-bake bars can keep well at room temperature in a sealed container. They will keep well, covered for up to 1 week. To keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator.
To freeze: Place chocolate oat bars in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag, and store them in the freezer. They will keep well frozen for up to 6 months.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- 8-inch baking pan. The ideal size for perfectly portioned bars.
- Parchment paper. Good quality parchment paper makes all the difference in lining pans.
- Chef’s knife. A must for any good kitchen (and slices these bars easily!).
Frequently asked questions
When made with certified gluten free rolled oats, these bars are suitable for celiacs or those with a gluten intolerance.
Compared to traditional oatmeal bars made with processed sugar, butter, and margarine, these ones are a much healthier option, thanks to the wholesome ingredient used.
This is a no bake recipe for chocolate oatmeal bars and the combination of ingredients used reflects that. If you’d like a baked version, try baked oats.
More easy no bake desserts to try
- Peanut butter no bake cookies
- No bake oatmeal cookies
- Chocolate no bake cookies
- No bake oatmeal bars
- No bake peanut butter chocolate cookies
Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil can sub for butter
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or deep baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add rolled oats into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, combine all your other ingredients and heat until melted. Remove from microwave and whisk until completely incorporated.
- Pour the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the oats and mix until combined. Pour into the lined baking dish and refrigerate until firm, for at least 30 minutes. Remove and cut into bars.
Nutrition
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Love this recipe. Hands down the easiest and tastiest no bake oatmeal bars out there ..and I have tried a few. And I hate baking. 🙃
These were the BEST oatmeal chocolate chip bars recipe I’ve ever made!