Description
A fast, healthy-ish, and lunchbox-friendly no-bake snack made with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate. These bars come together in 5 minutes of active time and hold up perfectly in lunchboxes without melting or crumbling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Pinch of sea salt flakes
- Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips, ½ cup dried fruit, or ¼ cup seeds
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, and honey. Microwave in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and liquid. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the rolled oats to the wet mixture and stir vigorously until every oat is coated. Add any optional mix-ins (dried fruit, seeds) and mix until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer about ½ inch thick. Use the bottom of a glass to ensure it is packed tight.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the oat layer and spread evenly to the edges. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or freeze for 10 minutes) until the chocolate is set and firm.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into 16 squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
Notes
Do not use instant or steel-cut oats; old-fashioned rolled oats provide the correct texture. Pack the oat mixture down tightly to prevent crumbling. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. For nut-free schools, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake bars, lunchbox snacks, back-to-school snacks, healthy snacks, oat bars, chocolate oat bars, quick snacks, kid-friendly snacks