Because I’m always looking for an after-dinner sweet and salty treat: these super simple dark chocolate oat and peanut butter bars were born. Filled with all the good-for-you things (oats, nut butter, and dark chocolate – which is good for the soul), these simple snack and treat bars are the ultimate recipe to have lingering in your fridge or freezer.

I love how simply this recipe comes together. Simply melt together peanut butter (or any nut butter of choice) with maple syrup (or another sweetener of choice) and stir in rolled oats. Press this mixture into a lined baking tray, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, and chill. Zero baking, minimal chill time, and big reward…treats!

The flaky sea salt on top is optional, but highly highly recommended. There’s nothing like a bite of fiber-rich, chocolate-loaded, sweet treat with a pinch of sea salt for the ultimate dessert. I hope you love these treats as much as I’ve been loving them!

Dark Chocolate Oat and Peanut Butter Bars

Yields 9-12 Bars

Ingredients:

Peanut Butter Oat Base:
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup maple syrup

Chocolate Topping:
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
1 Tbsp flaky sea salt

Directions:

1. Line a square dish with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Create the peanut butter oat base: melt together peanut butter and maple syrup over low heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir in oats and coat completely. Remove from heat. Gently press oat base into lined parchment paper tray. Use wet hands to smooth and make base even.

3. Melt the chocolate topping together. Place all ingredients over a double boiler, or in a glass bowl in the microwave. Melt until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour chocolate over oat base evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set. Sprinkle with sea salt, cut into even squares, and enjoy!

Notes:

-Oat squares will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or in the freezer for 3 months.