-
Prep Your Pan
Lightly grease a 9×9 inch square pan to make removing your bars a breeze. -
Cook the Oat Mixture
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add the oats, stirring well, and cook on low for 2–3 minutes, stirring often so the sugar melts and coats the oats nicely. -
Form the Base
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. This creates a solid crust for your bars. -
Make the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Topping
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together. Stir often until silky and smooth. -
Assemble
Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat base and spread gently with a knife or spoon. -
Add the Crunchy Topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer and press lightly. -
Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours or, better yet, overnight. This helps the bars set and makes cutting easier. -
Serve
Let the bars sit at room temp for a few minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Pro Tips:
-
For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or leave it out.
-
Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit with the oats for extra texture.
-
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge — they last about a week and freeze well too.
Why These Bars Rock
These no-bake bars are super versatile. Perfect for breakfast on the run, a snack anytime, or a sweet finish after dinner. They use simple ingredients you likely have on hand, so you can whip them up anytime without a store run.
Share the Joy
These bars are perfect for sharing — take them to parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or surprise friends with a homemade treat. Make a batch, spread the love, and enjoy a deliciously easy no-bake classic!