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This No-bake Chocolate Filled Oat Bars recipe is tasty, nutritious, and easy to make. Made with peanut butter rolled oats and a delicious chocolate peanut butter filling. Perfect for breakfast or snack. This oatmeal bar is high in protein and does not require any baking.
You may also like my no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bar or my no-bake peanut butter bars that taste just like Reeses Pieces.
Made with simple ingredients most likely sitting in your pantry, these no-bake chocolate filled oatmeal bars are simply the best power-boosting oat bar recipe you need to jumpstart your morning.
I love how easy it is to put together and it’s the perfect snack to enjoy throughout the day. The protein powder is optional but perfect for those who like to add more protein to their diet. I certainly do and my kids also love it. They also love these healthy date bars and my chocolate protein-baked oats.
Ingredients for the oat bars
- Oats: I used Rolled Oats instead of quick oats
- Protein powder: For this recipe, I used Vanilla Protein protein powder. Any protein powder you have on hand should work.
- Sweetener: I used Honey, agave or maple syrup will also work.
- Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, or any other nut butter. I love peanut butter best.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional if you do not have it.
- Chocolate: I used Dark Chocolate Chips but you can use dark chocolate bars
How to make chocolate oat bars
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper and set aside. Then follow the steps below.
Step 1: Into a bowl, add the rolled oats and protein powder. Mix to combine.
Step 2: Next, add in the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.
Step 3: Using a spatula mix well to combine. You will get a dough-like texture.
Step 4: Press down half of the oat dough onto the pan you lined up with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 5: In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Melt at 20 sec increments until it is melted.
Step 6: Mix the chocolate mixture to combine.
Step 7: Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat mixture in the pan. Spread it evenly and place it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes until the chocolate sets.
Step 8: Add the remaining oat mixture over the hardened chocolate as the top layer. Spread it evenly. I suggest you place it back in the fridge for another 10 minutes so the top layer sets a bit before cutting. Finally, Cut them into bars and serve.
Notes and Tips
- I love using creamy peanut because it hold well, but almond butter or cashew butter will also work. You do not want it to be too runny.
- Honey works great for this, my next option would be agave if you want to make this vegan-friendly.
- For a plant-based opton, you can of course use plant-based protein.
- Don’t want to use protein? Add 1/4 cup rolled oats or you can add almond flour.
- Try using low sugar or sugar free chocolate.
- Do not forget to chill the chocolate layer. Otherwise, it will be a hot mess trying to add the top oat layer. You won’t be able to spread it.
- I prefer you store this in the fridge in a container. It will hold better and will last for 7 days.
Common Questions
Yes, it will work with quick oats. You may need to add more quick oats though, just aim for a thick sticky dough texture that will be spreadable.
Yes. You can skip the protein powder and add either more oats or some oat flour or almond flour.
No. These are no-bake treats. You do not have to bake them at all and they are safe to eat.
It is safe to eat raw oats especially when added to baked goods, desserts, or blended into smoothies.
Recipes you may also like
- No-Bake Homemade Chocolate Protein Bars
- Homemade Oatmeal Granola Bars
- Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Blueberry bars
- Cranberry Oat Bars
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No Bake Chocolate Filled Oat Bars
Video
Ingredients
Outer Layer
- 2 Cups Rolled Oats
- 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein
- ½ Cup Honey, or agave
- ½ Cup Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Filling
- ½ Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- ¼ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
Instructions
- Prepare an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats and protein. Add in the honey, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, and use a handheld mixer to combine.
- Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the chocolate and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Pour mixture over the oat layer and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or until the chocolate layer is solid.
- Press the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate and cut it into 12 squares before serving. *Store in the refrigerator
Notes
- You can use plant-based Protein powder or any other type you have on hand.
- Agave will work great in place of honey as a plant-based option.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips if possible to cut down on the sugar.
- I prefer using creamy peanut butter. It holds well. But other nut butter will work too.
- Store in a container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw just let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes or so.
- Note: originally posted in 2020. This recipe was updated with new images more tips, and a video.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I use PB2 instead of regular peanut butter
I am not sure that would work and hold well. I would have to test it first
Awesome
Thank you
These bars are amazing and taste like a real dessert/sweet treat.
Thank you! Yay
These recipes look fabulous I am going to try the peanut butter and chocolate overnight oats. I love anything with peanut butter. Might tweak them a bit to make them lower in carbs.
Hi. If you try them please come back and let me know your thoughts
My favorite. Can I omit the peanut butter for the filling and just melt chocolate ?
you can but it will harden up in the middle as the chocolate cools down
Super easy and delicious. Question? Could I omit the peanut butter for the filling and just melt chocolate?
Super good! Thank you
Thanks Mindy.
I purchased quick oats by accident. Can I use quick oats instead? Thanks!
Yes you can use quick oats
Second time making these. Delicious!
Thanks for the feedback. So glad you liked it.
Hi Rena, Can I omit the protein powder without causing a change in how the bars turn out? Protein powders make me bloated but would love to try this recipe!
Hi Dana. Yes, you can. If the consistency is a bit off, add a tablespoon of flaxseed, almond, or coconut flour. But it should be ok
SO GOOD! make these all the time. easy, simple, and delicious
Thanks for the feedback Tina.
My son eats raw oatmeal every day. He has done this for years. He is a runner and very fit.
Nice!