No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

No-bake chocolate oat bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup peanut butter (or almond butter for a variation)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, chocolate chips (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish.
4. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
5. Once chilled and firm, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift the bars out of the dish.
6. Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars of your desired size.
7. Store the no-bake chocolate oat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

These no-bake chocolate oat bars are perfect for a quick and easy snack or dessert. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!