Just because you’re tired of all that holiday cooking and baking doesn’t mean you’re tired of sweet treats! And trying to back away from the sugary sweets doesn’t mean you have to go cold-turkey on dessert, either. The perfect answer to both dilemmas? Our No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars!
Oats are an incredibly nutritious food packed with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In addition, they're high in fiber and protein compared to other grains. The oats give them a delicious crunch, and the chocolate drizzle gives them the perfect amount of sweetness. Even better? All you need to do is mix them up, stick them in the fridge, and enjoy. Let us demonstrate this simple sweet, then read on for the full recipe so you can try them yourself.
Ingredients1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
3 cups old-fashioned oats
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
Method* In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
* Beat in eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Set aside.
* In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the condensed milk, chips and remaining butter and salt.
* Cook and stir until smooth. Add the nuts and remaining vanilla.
* Press 4 cups oat mixture into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; spread with chocolate mixture.
* Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture.
* Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars.