Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Oat Bars combine rich coconut oil, semi-sweet chocolate, and creamy peanut butter with wholesome oats and crispy rice cereal for a deliciously fudgy treat. Perfectly compacted and chilled for a satisfying texture, these bars make a quick and easy snack or dessert without any baking required.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (70g) coconut oil
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (125g) crunchy or creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup (or honey)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups (106g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (19g) crispy rice cereal
- 3/4 cup (about 100-120g) add-ins (such as salted or unsalted peanuts and raisins)
Optional Topping
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars out easier for cutting.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil and semi-sweet chocolate chips together, stirring frequently until smooth. Then stir in the peanut butter and maple syrup until fully combined. Remove from heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, crispy rice cereal, and your chosen add-ins such as peanuts and raisins.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is wet.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using the back of a flat spatula, press the mixture down firmly and compact it tightly. This ensures the bars hold their shape once chilled. Optionally, sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars uncovered for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. If chilling longer than 2 hours, cover lightly to avoid drying out the surface.
- Cut and Store: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- You can customize the add-ins with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key to getting bars that hold together well.
- The bars are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their fudgy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
