No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

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These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars with almond butter have only seven ingredients. Topped with a layer of chocolate, oat crumbles, and sea salt, this is a healthy treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert! Gluten-free and vegan.

Chocolate oatmeal squares on a piece of parchment paper.

This chocolate oat bars recipe was inspired by a serious staring contest with my pantry.

Most likely, all the ingredients you need are already in your kitchen. A great treat for the sweet tooth and a healthy snack for lunch boxes, these delicious bars fit about every need!

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients and substitutions
Step-by-step instructions
Tips
FAQs
More no bake recipes
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Why you'll love this recipe

Wholesome ingredients
These are no bake bars, so they come together quickly.
Unsweetened cocoa makes these really chocolatey without adding a ton of sugar.
Fit this recipe to almost any allergies as it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Ingredients and substitutions

Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete ingredient list and full recipe instructions in the recipe card below.

Ingredients to make chocolate oatmeal bars in different size bowls.

Gluten-free rolled oats - While naturally gluten-free, oats can be produced in facilities with cross-contamination, so look for the "certified" label.

Maple syrup - A natural sweetener, pure maple syrup also adds a great warm flavor to these bars. If you aren't vegan, honey works as well.

Almond butter - Fat and protein! Perfect to give this staying-power when you enjoy them. Cashew butter is a great substitute.

Unsweetened cocoa powder - With melted coconut oil, the cocoa powder creates our thick layer of chocolate for irresistible bars.

Coconut oil - Combined with cocoa powder, this makes our rich dark chocolate filling.

Coconut oil makes a great chewy oatmeal raisin cookie!

Step-by-step instructions

Before you start: Line an 8x8 square dish with parchment paper.

Almond butter and maple syrup heating in a saucepan.

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine almond butter and ½ cup of maple syrup over low heat until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Place oats in a large mixing bowl. Pour mixture into the saucepan over oats and stir until oats have been evenly coated.

Oatmeal mixture pressed into a square baking pan.

Step 3: Firmly press about ¾ of the mixture into the prepared pan to create the bottom layer.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.

Chocolate sauce that has been spread on top of an oatmeal mixture in a square pan.

No bake chocolate oatmeal bars in a square baking pan.

Step 5: Carefully spread over the top of the bars with a rubber spatula in the pan.

Step 6: Drop the rest of the oat mixture over the chocolate fudge layer, then sprinkle with salt. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Tips

Store the no bake oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Make sure maple syrup is at room temperature - cold maple syrup will seize when combined with warm coconut oil.
No-bake means these come together very quickly. Just keep in mind they need to chill for about 2 hours to stay together. They also will need to be stored in the fridge so the chocolate topping doesn't melt.

FAQs

What if I don't like the flavor of coconut?

Coconut oil is necessary here since it is solid when chilled, which creates the chocolate layer. Keep in mind that virgin coconut oil tastes like coconut. If you don't want that flavor in your bars, reach for refined coconut oil which is neutral in flavor.

Are these allergy-friendly?

Absolutely! Use whatever nut or seed butter fits your needs, and the remaining ingredients are already gluten-free and vegan.

More no bake recipes

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