Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity : Ready in minutes with no baking required—just mix, chill, and slice.
- Rich & Chewy Texture : The combination of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a satisfying bite.
- Customizable : Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Kid-Friendly : Easy enough for kids to help make (and devour!).
- Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for parties, potlucks, or gifting in cute packaging.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 16–20 bars
For the Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or melted coconut oil for richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for a swirl effect)
Optional Mix-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or peanuts)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, applesauce, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
- If using optional mix-ins like nuts, coconut, or dried fruit, fold them into the base mixture.
Step 2: Press Into Pan
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Press the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth it out.