NO BAKE CHOCOLATE OAT BARS

The “No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars” are a delightful treat, perfect for those who crave something sweet yet simple to make. This recipe is a favorite for its no-bake ease and delicious combination of chocolate and oats.

The base of these bars starts with a mixture of old-fashioned rolled oats and butter, often with a touch of brown sugar for a deep, caramel-like sweetness. This creates a crumbly, yet firm foundation that’s rich in texture. The oats, with their natural nuttiness, offer a perfect contrast to the forthcoming chocolate layer.

At the heart of these bars is the chocolate layer, a luscious blend typically made from melted chocolate chips and peanut butter. The choice of chocolate can vary from semi-sweet to dark, depending on personal preference. This chocolate is gently melted, often in a microwave or over a double boiler, and then combined with creamy peanut butter. This not only adds a rich, velvety texture but also a wonderful interplay of flavors. The peanut butter’s savory notes perfectly complement the sweetness of the chocolate.

Once the chocolate mixture is ready, it’s spread over the prepared oat base. The two layers are then left to harmonize as the bars set. This is where the ‘no-bake’ aspect is crucial; the bars are typically refrigerated until the chocolate layer is firm and holds its shape when cut, usually taking a couple of hours.

For a final touch, some recipes call for a sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a visually appealing contrast. The bars are then cut into squares or rectangles, revealing the enticing layers of oat and chocolate.

Serving these bars is a pleasure, as they offer a satisfying chew from the oats, with the creamy, indulgent melt of the chocolate and peanut butter. They are perfect for an afternoon snack, a simple dessert, or a treat for special occasions. Their ease of preparation and no need for baking makes them a go-to recipe for those who want homemade sweets without much fuss. Additionally, these bars can easily be customized; for instance, nuts or dried fruits can be added to the oat layer for extra texture and flavor, or different types of nut butters can be used in place of peanut butter for the chocolate layer.

Ingedients:

1 cup butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups quick cooking oats

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

How to:

Grease a 9×9 inch square pan.

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats. Cook over low heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until ingredients are well blended. Press half of mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the other half for topping.

Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust in the pan, and spread evenly with a knife or the back of a spoon.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing in gently. Cover, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.