Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prep the Pan: Start by preparing an 8-inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the packed brown sugar and continue to stir until it’s completely dissolved and well combined with the butter.
- Incorporate Oats: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, infusing a delightful flavor. Then, fold in the rolled oats. Ensure that the oats are evenly coated with the sweetened butter mixture.
- Layer the Base: Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the base layer of your no-bake squares.
- Chocolate & Peanut Butter: Sprinkle the semisweet or dark chocolate chips evenly over the oat base. Dot the top with creamy peanut butter, creating a layer of creamy, nutty goodness.
- Top it Off: Now, use the remaining oat mixture to create the top layer. Gently press it down on the chocolate and peanut butter layer. This will sandwich the chocolate and peanut butter between two layers of oats.
- Chill & Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the ingredients to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once the no-bake squares have fully set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the mixture out of the baking dish. Carefully slice it into squares or bars, whichever size you prefer. Serve the chilled squares and enjoy!
These No-Bake Chocolate Oat Squares are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with the wholesome goodness of oats. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the need for baking. Enjoy!