Description
These No-Bake Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a quick and delicious treat that combines wholesome ingredients like oats, roasted cashews, and dates with creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate. Easy to prepare in just 10 minutes with no oven required, they offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and indulgent chocolate flavor, ideal for a healthy snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Base 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)
Topping
- 20 ounces semi-sweet/dark chocolate, melted
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after chilling.
- Make the Dough: In a food processor or blender, combine the old-fashioned oats, roasted cashews, Medjool dates, warmed creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and optional ground flax/hemp seeds. Blend until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough.
- Press Into Pan and Chill: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to start the chilling process and help the dough set.
- Add Chocolate and Chill Again: Pour the melted dark chocolate over the chilled dough layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 to 2 hours until the bars are firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once firm, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 16 bars and enjoy your no-bake dark chocolate oatmeal cookie bars!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and replace cashews with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- The optional ground flax and hemp seeds add extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Warming the peanut butter makes it easier to blend and combine well with the other ingredients.
- Use good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor and less sweetness.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American