Quick no-bake chocolate oat bars made with rolled oats, honey, and melted chocolate. Chewy, sweet, and perfect for a grab-and-go snack or lunchbox treat.
Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine honey, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in peanut butter and vanilla until fully combined and smooth.
Stir in the cocoa powder and salt until evenly mixed, then fold in the rolled oats until all oats are coated.
Press two thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even base.
Melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the oat base.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture and sprinkle it over the melted chocolate, pressing gently so it adheres. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter. Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week or can be frozen for up to 2 months.