Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Easy no-bake bars made with chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and rolled oats. Choose honey or pure maple syrup for a simple homemade snack or dessert.
Servings 24 bars
Equipment
- 9x13 pan
- large pot
- measuring cups
- sturdy stirring spoon or silicone spatula
- knife
- parchment paper, optional
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups rolled oats
- Additional butter for greasing the pan or parchment paper
Instructions
- Butter a 9x13-inch pan, or line it with parchment paper and butter the parchment. If using parchment, leave some extending over the sides to help lift the bars out later. Set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine the butter, semisweet chocolate chips, honey or pure maple syrup, and creamy peanut butter.
- Stir frequently until everything is completely melted and smoothly combined. Remove from the heat.
- Add the rolled oats and stir thoroughly until all the oats are coated and evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan, spreading the mixture into the corners.
- Refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, or until firm enough to cut.
- Cut into 4 rows of 6 for 24 bars, or 4 rows of 5 for 20 larger bars.
Notes
Sweetener choice: I usually use honey for a quick snack or dessert at home. When taking these bars to a gathering, I often choose pure maple syrup for its deeper, richer flavor.
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup rather than maple-flavored pancake syrup.
Smaller batch: Halve all the ingredient amounts and use an 8x8-inch pan. The bars will be slightly thinner. Refrigerate until firm before cutting.
Easy removal: Buttered parchment paper makes it easier to lift the chilled bars out of the pan. If you do not have parchment, butter the pan directly.
Chilling: These bars require no baking, but allow approximately 2 hours in the refrigerator before cutting.
Helping hands: With adult supervision, kids can help measure ingredients and prepare the pan. An adult should handle the stovetop, hot pot, melted mixture, and cutting.
