No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup honey
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cup quick oats (Rolled oats may be used instead, though the bars will be less chewy and somewhat crisper.)
• 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2.5 tbsp unsalted butter

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.

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.

15. 15

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

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. The bars are softer and gooier at room temperature. For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats and avoid cross-contamination. The chocolate topping may be omitted, though it is recommended by the author. A commenter suggested adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for extra flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• no-bake
• peanut-butter
• chocolate
• vegetarian
• gluten-free-optional
• make-ahead