No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

🍫 No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter (optional, but makes them extra rich & creamy)


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Instructions:
1. Prepare pan: Grease or line a 9x9-inch (or 8x8 for thicker bars) baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Cook oat mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in oats and cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes.

3. First layer: Press about half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan.

4. Chocolate layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together (about 1 minute, stirring until smooth). Spread evenly over the oat layer.

5. Top layer: Sprinkle or press the remaining oat mixture on top.

6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours until firm.

7. Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!



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👉 Tips:
For a firmer bite, use less butter. For softer, chewier bars, use a touch more.
You can swap peanut butter with almond butter, Nutella, or skip it if you prefer just chocolate.
Store in the fridge (they’ll soften at room temperature).