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No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

These no-bake chocolate oat bars are simple treats made by melting chocolate and butter, then mixing them with toasted oats, honey, and vanilla before pressing into a pan to set. The result is a chewy, chocolate-coated bar with a satisfying crunch and glossy finish, perfect for quick snacking or sharing. They come together effortlessly with pantry staples and no oven required.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dark chocolate good quality preferred
  • 50 g butter dairy or coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 2 cups rolled oats toasted optional but adds flavor
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup adjust sweetness to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional but enhances flavor
  • pinch salt to balance sweetness
  • optional nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for added texture and flavor

Equipment

  • Baking pan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. The mixture should smell rich and cocoa-y, with a silky texture.
  3. While the chocolate melts, toast the oats in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, then let them cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats with a pinch of salt and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits.
  5. Stir the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until well combined and smooth.
  6. Pour the glossy chocolate mixture over the oats and fold gently with a spatula until all the oats are evenly coated and glisten with chocolate. The mixture should feel sticky and cohesive.
  7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly with the back of a spatula or your fingers to create an even, compact layer. You want it to feel dense and well-packed.
  8. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours until the bars are firm and set. For quicker results, freeze for about 1 hour.
  9. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into 8-10 pieces. Wipe the knife clean with a warm cloth between cuts for neat edges.
  10. Serve the bars directly from the fridge for a firm, chocolatey treat, or let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly and enhance aroma.

Notes

For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds. To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut oil for butter. Toasting oats enhances flavor but is optional. Keep the bars refrigerated for best texture and freshness.