Looking for something sweet, but don’t have the patience to bake something in the oven? Or maybe it’s too hot outside and you just can’t stand the thought of turning on the oven to heat up your entire kitchen (and home!) Either way, you’re in luck, because I have the perfect dessert for you!This recipe is so quick and easy to make, plus it leaves you with an absolutely delicious dessert. What could be better?! Not only are these bars super flavorful, but they’re loaded with texture, as well. The oatmeal gives it a nice and chewy texture, and the chocolate layer solidifies to make it seem like you’re sinking your teeth into a piece of chocolate peanut butter fudge. Mmmm just thinking about it is making my mouth water!
When I made this recipe, I used Espresso Peanut Butter from Big Spoon Roasters, but you can use any type of nut butter you’d like (peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, almond butter, chocolate hazelnut butter, etc.).
Personally, I was a HUGE fan of this peanut butter from Big Spoon Roasters. Here’s why:
- It’s made locally in Durham, NC. Each batch is MADE-TO-ORDER (yes, that’s right), so you’re guaranteed to get a fresh, delicious-tasting nut butters.
- It’s made from only real ingredients. There are no funky ingredients or anything that shouldn’t be there.
- They use high-quality ingredients. Their ingredients come from trusted farms and producers that have the philosophy that, “Food should be delicious, nutritious, and good for all those involved in producing it.”
- It tastes absolutely freaking delicious. These nut butters are so incredibly flavorful, yet not too overpowering – it’s the perfect balance of flavors. Personally, I’ve only tried the Espresso and Peanut Pecan flavors (so far), but I’m sure the other flavors are just as delicious. I’m certainly looking forward to trying them.
But no matter which nut butter you decide to use, one thing remains the same – these bars are delicious! And addicting. Seriously! When I was cutting them up to put into a container, I couldn’t stop eating them!
In fact, the only thing easier than making this recipe is actually eating them! It’s nearly impossible to stop after just one of these. Don’t believe me? Make them for yourself and try to stop after just one. I dare you…
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 4 cups rolled oats (I used Bob's Red Mill)
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Chocolate Layer:
- 1 heaping cup chocolate chips
- ¾ cup peanut butter, or nut butter of choice
- Grease a 9x9" or 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray (or line with parchment paper).
- In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Heat until sugar is completely dissolved and butter is melted.
- Add the oats and cinnamon and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Press down into the bottom of the dish, making sure it is spread evenly.
- In a microwave-safe dish, melt the chocolate for 60 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds. Add the peanut butter and continue to microwave in 30-second incremements until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour ¾ of the chocolate mixture over top of the oatmeal later. Top with the remaining oat mixture followed by the remaining chocolate mixture.
- Place in the refrigerator for roughly 4 hours, or until mixture is set.
- Remove from fridge and bring to room temperature before cutting into bars and serving.
