Description
Indulgent chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookie bars harmonize rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter in a simple, no-oven dessert. Quick preparation and minimal ingredients make these bars a delightful treat that you can enjoy without complex baking skills.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (281g) natural peanut butter, room temperature
- 2 ¼ cups (230g) quick oats
- 1 cup (210g) white granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) plant-based butter (or regular butter)
- 6 tablespoons (75g) almond milk (or regular milk)
- ¾ cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
- 3 tablespoons (15g) Dutched cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preparation: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for easy removal. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Base Creation: In a medium saucepan, merge granulated sugar, unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and whole milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid without reaching a boil.
- Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and incorporate creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a uniform, glossy consistency.
- Oat Integration: Fold rolled oats into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete and even coating of each oat.
- Pan Preparation: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly with a spatula to create a compact, level surface. Refrigerate briefly to help set the base.
- Chocolate Topping: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
- Decorative Finish: Pour melted chocolate over the chilled base, spreading evenly. Drop small peanut butter dollops across the surface and create decorative swirls using a toothpick or knife.
- Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure complete solidification.
- Serving: Remove from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Using a hot, dried knife, cut into precise squares.
- Storage: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Refrigerate for up to one week.
Notes
- Prevent Burning: Stir continuously while heating sugar mixture to avoid scorching and ensure smooth, even texture.
- Chocolate Melting Trick: Use short microwave intervals and stir between each burst to achieve glossy, perfectly melted chocolate without burning.
- Cutting Technique: Warm knife under hot water and dry completely before slicing to create clean, professional-looking bar edges.
- Storage Wisdom: Place parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent bars from sticking together and maintain their beautiful appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg