Description
These chewy, chocolatey no-bake cookie bars are a budget-friendly, make-ahead dessert perfect for summer gatherings. They require no oven, use simple pantry staples, and hold their shape in the heat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease the foil.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and salt.
- Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full boil.
- Once boiling, set a timer for exactly one minute and continue to boil, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from heat immediately after one minute and stir in the vanilla extract.
- If using, stir in chocolate chips or nuts while the mixture is hot.
- Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the oats in a large bowl (or pour oats into the saucepan) and stir vigorously until every oat is coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly and tightly using a greased spatula or greased hands.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, until completely set and firm.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and cut into squares or bars.
Notes
Do not skip the one-minute boil; it is essential for the sugar to dissolve and the bars to set properly. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Steel-cut oats will not work in this recipe. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. For vegan, use vegan butter and almond milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no-bake cookies, summer dessert, budget-friendly, make-ahead, chocolate oat bars, easy dessert, party treat