No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars

There is absolutely no baking going on in my house these days because it has been so hot lately BUT that has never stopped me from creating a delicious dessert. So here is a super simple and irresistible dessert to keep your house cool and your cravings satisfied. With only 4 ingredients, you best believe you can make big batches of these and enjoy them for the rest of summer. Recipe video at the end of this post!

Ingredients:

Bars

• 1 cup natural peanut butter

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 2.5 cup rolled oats (gluten free if necessary)

Choc Topping

• 1 cup dark chocolate (melted)

• 2 tbs peanut butter

Directions:

1. In a small pot of saucepan, heat the peanut butter and maple syrup on medium heat. Continuously stir until it becomes a uniform mixture

2. Remove from heat and add the oats

3. Fold the oats into the hot peanut butter mixture until evenly combined. It should form a very thick and slightly crumbly dough

4. Press dough into an 8x8 baking dish lined with parchment. I use my hands at first to get the dough into the corners, then I use the bottom of a measuring cup to make sure it’s really pushed down and smooth on top

5. Combine the melted chocolate and peanut butter to make a smooth mixture or you can keep it swirled for a decorative effect

6. Pour the chocolate topping over the top of the oat base and smooth the top as evenly as you can

7. Place in the freezer for about an hour or until the chocolate has set completely

8. Slice with the sharp knife into squares or rectangles. I like to run my knife under hot water for a minute or so to make slicing easier

9. Enjoy!