No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)

½ cup honey or ½ cup light corn syrup

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup butter (1 stick)

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt (optional)

Chocolate Layer

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the oat mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine

butter + brown sugar + honey.

Stir until melted and just starting to bubble.

Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter + vanilla + salt until smooth.

Add the oats and mix until fully coated.

2. Form the bottom layer

Press half the oat mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan.

3. Make the chocolate filling

Melt chocolate chips + peanut butter in the microwave in 20–30 sec bursts, stirring until smooth.

(Or melt on the stovetop over low heat.)

4. Assemble

Pour the chocolate mixture over the bottom oat layer and smooth it out.

Sprinkle or crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top and gently press it down.

5. Set

Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to cut into bars.

Tips

Swap almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if needed.

Add mix-ins: chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut.

For firmer bars, add an extra ½ cup oats.

For a sweeter bar, use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet.