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The image has been recreated with a realistic homemade look, showing rich chocolate oat bars stacked on a wooden board with glossy chocolate and chewy oat layers.

Easy no-bake bars with a buttery oat crust

Easy no-bake bars with a buttery oat crust, a rich chocolate-peanut butter filling, and a crumbly oat topping. Ready with pantry staples and no oven required.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 23 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup peanut butter

Equipment

  • 9×9-inch pan, large saucepan, small saucepan, spatula, parchment paper (optional)

Method
 

  1. Grease or line a 9×9-inch pan.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Add oats and cook over low heat 2–3 minutes until blended.
  3. Press half the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Reserve the rest.
  4. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour over the oat base and spread evenly.
  5. Crumble remaining oat mixture over the chocolate and press gently.
  6. Cover and refrigerate 2–3 hours or overnight until set.
  7. Bring to room temperature briefly, then cut into bars.

Notes

Best stored in the refrigerator. Let sit a few minutes at room temperature before cutting for cleanest slices. Use parchment for easy removal.