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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once set.
- 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.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly to form a flat base layer.
- Start Chilling: Place the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes to begin firming up the dough before adding the chocolate layer.
- 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.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate topping is firm and set, about 1 to 2 hours.
- 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
