The classic melt-in-your-mouth chocolate oatmeal no bake bars are popular for a very good reason – they’re impossible to stop eating!
At first glance, traditional chocolate no bake recipes—made with wholesome oatmeal instead of flour—might seem like a healthy choice.
But with half a cup of butter and two full cups of refined sugar packed into traditional no bake bar recipes, they’re really not even close.
These homemade chocolate oatmeal no bake bars offer the perfect healthy alternative:
You get all of the wholesome ingredients, without all the extra butter and sugar.
I swapped out the sugar here for pure maple syrup and have also cut way back on the sweetener in general, and I substituted peanut butter for the butter, for an added protein boost you won’t even realize is in there.
Also Try These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings – Just 6 Ingredients
The recipe first came about during the Snowpocalypse 2016, when my then-boyfriend and I were trapped in my apartment while the snow relentlessly slammed down outside.
After watching about seven Daredevil episodes in a row, he looked at me and said, “So where are all the famous Chocolate Covered Katie baked goods?”
With no grocery stores open, I took stock of my pantry and pulled out every one of my favorite ingredients that I always have on hand:
Chocolate.
Peanut Butter.
Oatmeal.
Combining so many delicious ingredients into one easy-to-make and heart-healthy dessert was pretty much a guaranteed success right from the start.
I formed them into no bake cookie balls and put them on a plate.
The boy proceeded to eat eight of them… So I took that as a good sign!
Then we watched even more Daredevil, and ate pasta with jarred Ragu from 7/11 for dinner.
And swore we’d never tell.
Also try the recipe in cookie form –> Chocolate No Bake Cookies
Oatmeal Chocolate No Bake Bar Instructions
Step One: Prepare an 8-inch pan by lining it with parchment or wax paper.
Stir together the liquid ingredients, then combine with the oats and stir until evenly mixed.
Step Two: Smooth into the prepared pan, and press down with a spoon as hard as you can.
Really press down as hard as you can.
Transfer the pan to the freezer until the bars are firm enough to cut.
Step Three: Slice into bars, and enjoy!
Leftovers can be left out at room temperature for a few hours, but for optimum freshness I like to keep them in the fridge or freezer, where they last a few weeks…
If you don’t eat them all first!
Above, watch the video of how to make chocolate oatmeal no bake bars.
Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or allergy-friendly sub
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
- 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups quick oats (Here's a keto version)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment or wax. Set aside. Stir together the first three ingredients. Gently heat until the oil is melted and peanut butter is easily stir-able. Whisk in the vanilla extract and salt, stirring until completely smooth. Stir in the quick oats and cocoa powder until evenly coated. Smooth into the prepared pan, and press down with a spoon as hard as you can. Really pack it in. Freeze until firm enough to cut. Leftovers can stay out a few hours, but I like to keep them in the freezer for optimum freshness, where they last a few weeks.View Nutrition Facts
Notes
Have you made this recipe?
Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram
More Healthy No Bake Recipes
Or this Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Kathryn says
Will probably try these within the next couple days. If I was home, I’d be making them now! They look delish! I enjoyed the story behind them, too. I love reading personal stories- it totally makes me feel like I know you, which is a good thing, instead of reading something robotic.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thanks; I wish I could share more stories – I have so many good ones of things that happen to me. But most of them are probably not appropriate for the blog or could potentially hurt feelings or infringe on others’ privacy. In my dream world, I would be Taylor Swift and just not care 🙂
Ashley says
I always loved no-bake cookies. Those were one of the addictive treats that I could just eat and eat – until they became too disgustingly sweet to handle and I had to leave them alone for a week. I’m betting these would be a delicious substitute, especially given my fondness of peanut butter. Cute story too; limited resources can turn out some delicious treats 😀
Joyce Kreger says
Would I be able to add more nut butter to brownie batter chocolate overnight oats?
Julie Dove says
Absolutely!
Santana says
I’m eating these right now! They’re so delicious. And still warm, because I’m pregnant and too impatient to wait 🙂
Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Jessica Binev says
Scrolling through Instagram today I came across your post about these.. Given that I’m super tired and crampy and just ?% over it today I decided to go ahead and make them.
I didn’t have any coconut oil so I subbed butter. I also don’t own an 8″ square baking dish so I used an 8″ cake pan instead, which worked out perfectly because I was then able to use the second cake pan to really press the mixture down into a nice compact layer. Finally, I sprinkled some chocolate chips on top and pressed them in because yum.
10/10, will make again.
Samantha says
I did the same thing, I used butter instead of the coconut oil. Also, i didnt have enough peanut butter, so i used 1/4 cup pb and 3 tbsp ghee. And i used only honey as the sweetener. Perhaps i didn’tmeasure correctly, but i found i had too much liquid for the oatmeal. Im not complaining, though, the end result tastes like an amazing chocolate bar with oats in it! This recipe is amazing, Katie! Ive been a long time reader but this is the first time I’ve left a comment. Glad to see how you have been doing over the years and the success you’ve found!
Marie says
Why did I use my quick oats up on baked oatmeal??!! As soon as I re-stock I will definitely be making these (easy for a bake sale too!). Would either natural or “regular” peanut butter work for this recipe?
Julie Dove says
Both work!
Rachel says
Can you use rolled oats rather than quick oats?
Julie Dove says
You can definitely experiment!
Kimberly says
Katie
Please forgive me if this is the dumbest question you receive this year….. I’m still very unclear on coconut oil in general and it use(s). Is “virgin coconut oil” the solid form or liquid? Does it matter? The only liquid I can identify in the picture appears to be maple syrup…and I don’t see anything identified as “virgin coconut oil”.
I am VERY eager to try this one out for my son and myself!
Many thanks !!!
Julie Dove says
Virgin coconut oil is solid when chilled and liquid when it’s warm out or when it’s gently heated.
Tanya says
To die for!!!! I made these with tahini instead of peanut butter. Yum yum and more yum!!
Cindy says
Awesome – school friendly treats.
Rene says
I wish they were for our school. We are nut free so we are limited as to what we can send to school.
Julie Dove says
What about using SunButter?
Heidi says
These are delicious! Only problem with them is they will test my self control.
Wondering about a recipe you mentioned coming up a while ago for cinnamon bars?
Lennae Stubbs says
Yum this looks delicious!!! Do you think if I used Quinoa flakes instead of Oats, it would taste just as good?
Lennae xxx
Julie Dove says
Feel free to experiment!
Theron says
Awesome, Awesome. I’m a 64 yr. old vegan guy who has followed your blog for a couple of years and also have your book. I was looking all summer for a recipe for no bake oatmeal peanut butter chocolate cookies that I remember from my school days. Your recipes are the only ones I trust to lighten the sugar properly. I must confess that I did sub some well-chopped dates for 3 tbsp of the maple syrup. I love your work. Thank you.
Brittany says
Dead Theron, that is a BRILLIANT idea. Thank you!
Nina says
Delicious. Thanks for another great idea.
fay Thomas says
I would like to try these for our after church coffee, the problem is the peanut butter. What can I use in place of?
Julie Dove says
You can use SunButter or almond butter. You could also experiment with coconut butter in the no bake version.
The Wooden Spoon says
These sound great. I’m working in a VERY tiny kitchen right now and the less steps, the better!
Moira says
Hie. If we do can not use coconut oil, what substitute would you suggest as an alternative here. Thanks!
Julie Dove says
You can experiment and try more peanut butter. Let us know how they turn out if you do experiment!
Stacy says
A couple people said they used butter instead of coconut oil.
Win says
I must try this recipe. I love no-bake recipes to mix things up a bit and produce something delicious really quickly. Thanks for sharing, so glad you created them in your Snowpocalypse! And your photos look amazing.
Kerri says
I seriously made these before I even finished reading the post! They’re awesome! So easy, I’m going to bring these to all the parties now.
Nene says
I made this following the recipe quantities posted on your Instagram (but now I can’t find the photo anymore!). I didn’t have coconut oil nor liquid sweetener so I substituted them with vegetable oil and cane sugar. I also added some chopped salted peanuts for some extra crunch.The bars turned out AMAZING! I loved the salty/sweet/chocolate-y taste combination. Yum. Thank you for another wonderful recipe, Katie!
Kathryn says
These are delicious! I don’t think my husband and kids even noticed that they weren’t the real thing (we’re not vegan, and no bakes are my husband’s favorite, so we have them often)! Thanks for cutting down the sugar! Every time I make the “normal” recipe, I am always appalled at the two cups!
Darline says
I doubled this recipe to use as snack in school lunches. My kids (8 & 11) LOVED these! They reported that the bars tasted like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! My 11 year old son came home from school telling me that a classmate begged to trade a chocolate pudding cup for his No Bake Bar. Chocolate Covered Katie is winning the hearts of 6th graders in the lunch room!
Amy says
Hi Katie – Is the coconut oil to be melted or in solid form with this recipe?
Julie Dove says
Melted
Bonnie says
Just thought I would leave some info that 3 tbs is 1/4 cup 🙂
Maria says
A quarter cup = 60 ml and 3T = 45 ml
Rene says
I will try these. I love the traditional no bake cookies so a lighter version will be nice.
Heather says
No Bake Cookies have been a favorite of mine for many years. Now you’ve created a lightened up version so I can still enjoy them. I have 2 words for you, Ms. Katie: Thank You!!!!!
Phylis Stevens says
My husband cannot have oatmeal or sugar but has a sweet tooth need ideas. Love all your ideas and have made them.
Dom says
THESE ARE SO DELISH. Thank you for the recipe! I added sugar reduced craisins for extra texture and flavour.
Karen Becker says
I made these last night and they turned out great. My five year old said “Yummmmmmy!” when he tried one this morning. Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Erin says
I made these this week as lunch snacks for the lads when my oven broke and I couldn’t bake. They turned out beautifully! Thank you for the recipe, Katie!
Cassie Autumn Tran says
Thanks for another amazing snack bar recipe! I bet these will taste incredible!
Carol says
This is a fantastic recipe! I used GF Oates for guests with food sensitivity. To change it up I used cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Delicious! Sprinkled unsweetened coconut on the top for decoration. Thank you!
Trilby Bias says
We don’t have much room in our freezer. Therefore, is there an alternative to freezing them?
Julie Dove says
Fridge
Betty says
Katie, I just have to say first off that you are awesome……I am a very obese woman who struggles so much but you have helped me to find a better way to comfort myself with sweets without hurting myself so much physically…..THANK YOU!!
Just wondered if anyone else has issues with trying to print a recipe??? When I click the print recipe button it prints EVERYTHING, not just the recipe. I didn’t use to have that problem….is it just my computer??
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Hi, I am so sorry for the trouble; that should NOT be happening. Thank you for letting me know! Hopefully it will be all fixed within the next few days. And thank you so much for the sweet comment 🙂
Diane says
Sooooo delicious! Huge hit with my 4 kids, my hubby and myself! Thank you!
Suzanne Tedrick says
Dear Chocolate Covered K,
There is a slight problem with this recipe. It is so incredibly yummy that I cannot stop making these and eating these. Everyday my boys get home and ask me for a “bar”. I know exactly what they mean. They go digging through the freezer and if I’ve run out, I’m in big trouble. McDonalds is losing a big fortune, because, when I’m out for the day, I no longer have to stop and eat junk food: I just grab a bar out of a bag in my purse, and it holds me for a couple of hours. I love this because it utilizes healthful fats. To make it even more tasty, I add about 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Last time I made these bars, I “accidentally” quadrupled the recipe. Oh, well! No longer do I need to bake: I love this “no bake” revolution. Thanks, Suzanne
Diane says
Seriously awesome! Whole family loves..even my picky kids!thank u
Cel says
delicious! i used only 1/8 cup of local honey, and added some coarsely chopped almonds…worked great!
Heidi says
Delicious and easy!
Heidi says
PS I added two handfuls of chocolate chips!
New York For Beginners says
What a wonderful recipe! is it possible to do it by any chance without peanut butter? Are there any good alternatives that won’t change the consistency? Thank you for your help!
Jason Sanford says
Coconut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter will all work.
GiannaT says
I like to make this for women I know who have just given birth. They’re super easy to eat while nursing or juggling a baby, and the oats help with their supply if they’re breastfeeding. 🙂
Renee Parisio says
I didn’t have vanilla extract, but I did have vanilla flavored Hemp Milk. The first go around, I used just a tablespoon of that instead and lowered the amount of maple syrup (since the milk was already sweetened.) They turned out really well.
Second time around, I used 1/4 cup of the hemp milk, and only 1 tbsp of coconut oil and 1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp of maple syrup. I heated it all while stirring. Turned out delicious!
Carrie Metcalf says
My 16yr old son is a carb fanatic and loves his sugar. He loves these! For the PB I used 1/4c almond butter and 3tbsp of your recipe of healthy Nutella. In the 2 cups of oats I snuck in about a quarter to a third c of flax meal. He’ll never know. He begs me to keep them on hand!
Nicole says
I just made these and they are delicious! Super easy to make too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lisa says
Has anyone added up the calories? I’m coming out to over 250 calories for one bar. That seems really high, as the original no bake cookies are only 100 calories per cookie. Maybe I’m entering it wrong.
Sandra says
Hi there,
I’d like the calorie content per bar also. If any lively ladies out there have the answer….please post it 🙂
Jason Sanford says
Calorie count is included in the nutrition facts, linked directly in the post where it says “view nutrition facts”
jo wehunt says
Can I use rolled oats instead? I am gluten free and quick oats typically are not.
Jason Sanford says
Probably – just pulse them a few times in a blender first so that the bars aren’t too chewy/gummy.
Elisabete Carinha says
Honey just did them today and i love it… my boyfriend really liked them too.. i madr the double of the quantitie ??
Thanks a lot for thw recipe… gonna make more for sure
Shannon says
The only problem with these bars is how do I stop myself from eating them before they are ready?! I would like to redefine “ready” ?. So simple and delicious!
shaynee bucknell says
Hi Katie, can I use olive oil and honey? Thank you
Andrea says
These look wonderful! Really silly question. I only have steel cut oats, and they’re not the “quick” kind. Will these work?
Jason Sanford says
Probably not, but you never know unless you try!
Elizabeth says
Katie, these are amazing!
Anna says
This is my second CCK recipe today…! I added some unsweetened shredded coconut on top and it is SO good. It also helped the spoon not to stick as much when I was patting it down. They’re in the freezer now and I’m sitting here licking the bowl…mmm! I love this recipe because:
1. it’s DELICIOUS, and
2. I always have all of these ingredients on hand. So easy!
Perfect!
Here’s a question if anyone is still reading this post (and isn’t already too lost in the chocolate/peanut buttery goodness of this dessert), what is your favorite brand of peanut butter? I’ve been using Crazy Richard’s for a while and I really like it (only ingredient is peanuts). Any other must try brands? 🙂
Jason Sanford says
Katie’s go-to brand is Harris Teeter crunchy natural. It’s ridiculously cheap (1.99 when on sale). It’s a store brand, so not available everywhere. But I personally like Whole Foods crunchy as well, the one with salt but no sugar.
Jason (media relations)
Grace says
I substituted 2 tbsp of applesauce instead of the additional 3tbs of sweetner—adds a really nice flavor with the peanut butter and chocolate! Would recommend to anyone looking to cut down a bit on the sugar in these!
Denise says
Hi! I made the recepie exactly the way u said and it turn out that the bars aren’t crunchy they are all goey why??? They have been in the freezer like 3 hours I live them all day there? Thanks in advance!
Jason Sanford says
Hmmm what coconut oil did you use? Unless it’s gone bad somehow, coconut oil always solidifies when chilled!
Joy says
I am a Celiac who lives to eat. I was VERY happy with these bars. Like another user, I used tahini. I find Peanut Butter to be a little overpowering sometimes. Using coconut oil and tahini made this reminiscent of an Almond Joy, especially with a glass of almond milk! I was feeling lazy when I made them, so I measured everything using a digital scale (Bye, measuring cups!) and instead of the 8 x 8 dish, I just dumped the mixture onto a piece of Parchment paper and folded over the side and “smashed down” the mixture with a rolling pin. No dishes, and delicious fat snacks for me! I liked them better the second day. I would recommend letting them sit for a while before eating. Those oats are really dry and need time to soak up the ingredients. Thank you very much for an under 200 calorie bar that tastes delicious! Next time I’m adding chopped almonds!
Sandi says
Made these using sunbutter. So very addictive. I absolutely love them!
Nechama says
I made these with silan/date syrup- the sugar free kind and they came out AH-MAZING!!!!! I don’t think I’ve eaten something so good and perfect in my life!
Def my fave recipe on this blog!
Enid says
Soooo delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Arlene says
I guess I’m the only one who doesn’t think they r anything like the original. It tasted too strong of coconut oil and very little of anything else. I substituted coconut nectar for the maple syrup, which should be a one to one substitution for sugar. Oh well, it was worth a try. I won’t make these again.
Jason Sanford says
Sounds like you probably used a bad jar of coconut oil. I’ve found that a lot of brands have a strong coconut taste that is unpleasant, and Katie has said the same thing in some of her posts and that she uses Whole Foods 365 brand or Artisana because those do not have the unpleasant coconut taste. What brand did you use? I know I hate the one from Trader Joes!
Jason
Jaxon says
When do you add the coconut?
Rosalie says
Is it possible to cut down on the oil and replace some of it with applesauce?
Mike says
I make these all the time!!!! absolutely love them. Almost always have them around. Awesome recipe.
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for making them! 🙂
Diane says
These are getting made this weekend. Any thoughts if I wanted to add protein powder or chia/flax seed? Amounts to add? Thank you, Katie.
CCK Media Team says
You can add a handful of chia seeds, no problem. Katie has done it before (without measuring). For protein powder, try replacing some of the cocoa powder with protein powder. Be sure to report back if you try!
Robin says
Looking forward to trying this. One question…my coconut oil is melted due to the warmer air, is the measurement the same as when solid?
CCK Media Team says
Yes, same! Once you fridge them to set, it will firm up anyway so should make no difference 🙂
Cindy says
Will powdered peanut butter such as PB2 work in this recipe?
CCK Media Team says
Sorry we haven’t tried. Be sure to report back if you experiment!
Jenn says
These are dangerously delicious! I’ve been doing a lot of baking the last few months and wanted to thank you for always having such consistently great recipes. When I make a CCK recipe I don’t have to worry about it not tasting great or having to toss the results and waste food. Love these!
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for making them!
Mindy says
Is there a non-nut sub for peanut butter?
CCK Media Team says
Hi, coconut butter works for sure, or sunbutter would probably work as well if you like the taste. Maybe soynut butter too?
Mindy says
Can these be done with out the chocolate?
CCK Media Team says
They can with some modifications – for example, here is a similar recipe with berries instead of chocolate: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/strawberry-oatmeal-bars/
Lisa says
These are outstanding. I used maple syrup and coconut oil. Not too sweet but enough to feel like it’s a treat. Excellent right out of the freezer, firm but not frozen.
Dee Gee says
Whooo hooo! I think I could live off these!
Jill says
These are now a family favorite. I made them for both my sons’ families and we all agree that they are the best less fat, less sugar no bake bars ever. Plus, there’s something psychologically appealing to keeping them in the freezer!!
Aliya Kassam says
If I added shredded coconut or seeds to the mix, would I need to reduce any other ingredient?
Lisa says
These are really good. I made double decker ones. A layer of peanut butter (without the cocoa) topped with a layer with the chocolate. Yum. They go fast!
Lisa says
These are fantastic! Sooo good right out of the freezer!
Debra Wilson says
I’ve made these twice and the 2nd time I added chopped almonds which gave a terrific crunch! I took them to school and was asked for the recipe by a few of my friends. They really satisfy! I love how EASY they are to make, and in the summer heat, you don’t have to turn on the oven!
kelly says
can you please put a jump to recipe button on your recipes
Rebecca says
If I used old fashioned oats instead of quick oats, would that work or taste the same?
CCK Media Team says
They will be more chewy and textured, and you might need a little more peanut butter for them to stick together, but they will still work 🙂
Milia says
Do you know of a healthful sweetener that can be substituted for the maple syrup? I am a Type 2 diabetic and was hoping for something that doesn’t have sucralose or aspartame in it.
Ruthie says
I just made these with the following substitutions:
Apple sauce in place of Maple syrup or honey
PBfit in place of peanut butter
They were so good! If you do this then you definitely need extra liquid so I used more apple sauce and that worked for me. Probably not as sweet as using the other sweeteners but I liked them not so sweet.
Sarah says
Hi! Can I roll these into balls instead of making bars?
CCK Media Team says
We don’t see why not. Katie also has this similar recipe for no bake cookies: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/chocolate-no-bake-cookies/
Renate says
My family loves these easy to make bars. They are part of our lunch box treats. We are adding peppermint extract during the prep. Chocolate and peppermint is the perfect combination.
Michelle Goodman says
Delicious!!!! These bars taste just like no bake cookies but without any refined sugar and only real ingredients. Great w maple syrup or honey. Have only used butter not coconut oil. My son is on modified SCD and these are such a great treat for him… as long as I don’t eat them all first. Ty so much!!!
CCK Media Team says
This made us so happy to read 🙂
Meagen ODonnell says
Absolutely awesomely delicious!! Definitely near impossible to stop at one piece!! I used Western Star unsalted butter instead of coconut pot (it was what I had on hand) and cacao instead of cocoa powder. My family will be devouring these over coffee without a doubt!! So simple and quick. Will be a permanent fixture in our freezer!! 😄
Gayle says
THESE REALLY LOOK GOOD, I CERTAINLY WILL TRY THEM, ALSO FOR A SNACK. THANK YOU KATIE.
GAYLE LITTLEJOHN
Forrest says
These will make your mouth water 😍😍
Becky Miller says
Wonderful! A favorite in my house!
Marsha says
My grandson insists I have these on hand at all times. I double the recipe, throw them in the freezer then cut them up and keep one container in the frig and 3 in the freezer. Lucky if they last a week 🙂
Boogie Parker says
Simple, quick and yummy! No more need be said.
SWEETS ARE ME says
After seeing this recipe, I made it the same day! I used honey & butter but I also added slivered Almonds, dried cranberries & topped with coconut. And OH MY GOSH! Talk about absolutely wonderful! Definitely curbs the sweet tooth & makes for a great snack! Will definitely be experimenting with other add ins & making again!!
Ann Huffcutt says
These were delicious! I made a few adjustments, (I added sunflower seeds, mini chocolate chips,a scoop of chocolate whey powder and honey instead of syrup) I’m going to make more right now, since the first batch “mysteriously” vanished!
Reesa says
Can you use Canola oil instead of coconut oil?