Fudgy Oat Bars

Mar 23, 2016 | Desserts, Recipes, Snacks & Sides

Y’all…Y’ALL. These are A-MAZING.

First, let me say that I wish I was the one who came up with this recipe. Seriously.  But I cannot take the credit. I stumbled across this recipe one evening this week, when the Mountain Man and I were craving something chocolatey. It looked simple enough, and Chocolate Covered Katie made it look so yummy!

So I gave it a shot. And this may sound terrible…but I haven’t even shared these with the kids yet. (Selfish? Or pure genius? I’m going with the latter…) They are that delicious. Honestly, I’m not sure I will share them with the kids either. I swear, once those little moochers get a taste of this, they won’t want my healthy (but still tasty) fruit bars, or my coconut covered date rolls. Nope. They will end up eating all of MY fudgy oat bars. And I cannot allow that to happen. I’m a mom, after all…and after a long day of changing diapers, wiping snotty noses, and answering a gazillion “why” questions, shouldn’t I be allowed to enjoy my delicious chocolatey treat in peace?

Not only do these taste super yummy, but they are ridiculously easy to make. The whole process from pantry to my mouth only took about 20 minutes tops. You can’t beat that with a stick.

Fudgy Oat Bars

What you’ll need:

  • 2 3/4 cups quick oats
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup pure honey (or pure maple syrup would be tasty, too!)
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter of choice)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4-5 oz. chocolate chips (we love Enjoy Life brand)
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter of choice)

Directions:

Step 1: Line and 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Stir together in a large bowl; honey, 1/4 cup peanut butter, water and vanilla, until smooth.

Step 3: Stir in the oats and salt.

Step 4: Transfer about 2/3 of the mixture into the parchment lined pan, and press down very well, using a second sheet of parchment to press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: In a medium saucepan, slowly melt the chocolate and 1/2 cup peanut butter over med-low heat until smooth and well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the layer of pressed oats in the 8×8 pan.

Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining oats on top of the chocolate layer, and gently press down. Refrigerate or freeze until firm enough to cut into squares. Keep stored in fridge for a week (if they last that long, I’ll be impressed).

Okay…now what are you waiting for?! Run into your kitchen and make these right now. Then tell me what you think. Did you make any ingredient changes? If so, I’d love to hear your results!