No-Bake Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These No-Bake Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars are an easy and delicious treat that combines wholesome ingredients with rich chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert, they come together without any baking required.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup roasted cashews
• 1 cup plump Medjool dates, split and pitted
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, warmed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup ground flax and/or shelled hemp seeds (optional)
• 20 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper to prepare for the cookie bars.
2. Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the oats, cashews, dates, warmed peanut butter, vanilla extract, and optional flax or hemp seeds. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a firm base.
4. Step 4: Freeze the pan for 10 minutes to begin chilling the dough.
5. Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled dough layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
6. Step 6: Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours until the chocolate is firm.
7. Step 7: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy your no-bake treat!

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and replace cashews with pumpkin seeds.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for extra flavor depth.
• Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a richer, less sweet taste.
• If you don’t have a food processor, place ingredients in a sturdy bag and use a rolling pin to crush and mix them.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. These bars hold their shape best when kept cool.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts or seeds in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds, walnuts, or pecans and use any seeds like chia or sunflower seeds, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, refrigeration helps keep the chocolate topping firm and the bars fresh. They can be enjoyed slightly chilled or brought to room temperature before eating.

No-Bake Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These No-Bake Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delicious and healthy treat combining old-fashioned oats, roasted cashews, and plump Medjool dates with creamy peanut butter and a smooth layer of melted dark chocolate. Easy to prepare without any baking required, they are perfect for a quick snack or dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings while providing energy and nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashion oats
• 1 cup roasted cashews
• 1 cup plump Medjool dates, split and pitted
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, warmed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup ground flax and/or shelled hemp seeds (optional)

Topping

• 20 ounces semi-sweet/dark chocolate, melted
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
2. Make the Dough: In a food processor or blender, combine the oats, roasted cashews, Medjool dates, warmed peanut butter, vanilla extract, and optional ground flax or hemp seeds. Blend until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough.
3. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly to form a flat base layer.
4. Start Chilling: Place the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes to begin firming up the dough before adding the chocolate layer.
5. Add Chocolate Layer: Remove the pan from the freezer and pour the melted dark chocolate evenly over the chilled dough base. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate to enhance the flavor.
6. Final Chill: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate topping is firm and set, about 1 to 2 hours.
7. Serve: Once firm, cut the bars into squares. Enjoy these rich and wholesome no-bake cookie bars as a snack or dessert.

Notes

• For best results, use Medjool dates as they provide natural sweetness and a sticky texture.
• Warming the peanut butter slightly makes it easier to blend and mix with the other ingredients.
• Ground flax or hemp seeds add extra fiber and nutrition but can be omitted if preferred.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
• Flaky sea salt is optional but enhances the contrast between sweet and salty flavors.
• These bars are naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free oats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: no-bake, dark chocolate, oatmeal bars, peanut butter, healthy snack, gluten-free dessert, energy bars