No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Steps

1. 1

   Spray a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some parchment overhanging the sides. The overhang will let you lift the chilled bars out easily for cutting and serving.

2. 2

   Add the peanut butter to a large saucepan.

3. 3

   Add the honey and salt to the saucepan with the peanut butter.

4. 4

   Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until the peanut butter and honey are melted and smoothly combined.

5. 5

   Continue heating the mixture gently for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil or scorch.

   Start 2-minute timer
6. 6

   Remove the saucepan from the heat.

7. 7

   Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.

8. 8

   Stir in the quick oats until all of the oats are coated with the peanut butter mixture.

9. 9

   Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer. Do not press down hard, or the finished bars may become dense and hard.

10. 10

    Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Alternatively, melt them together in the top of a double boiler.

11. 11

    Microwave the chocolate and butter in 30-second increments, stirring between increments, until completely melted and smooth. Take care not to overheat the chocolate.

12. 12

    Pour the melted chocolate over the oat layer.

13. 13

    Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly so it fully covers the bars.

14. 14

    Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm enough to cut.

    Start 2-hour timer
15. 15

    Lift the slab from the pan using the parchment overhang, cut it into 24 bars or desired sizes, and serve.