Description
Rich, chewy, no-bake chocolate oat fudge squares made with simple pantry staples. Quick stovetop melt, press, chill, and slice into fudgy squares that are perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, and easy desserts.
Ingredients
Rolled oats: 2 cups (160 g)
Creamy peanut butter (or almond butter): 1/2 cup (120 g)
Maple syrup (or honey): 1/3 cup (80 ml)
Coconut oil (refined for neutral flavor) or unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 g)
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (25 g)
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Fine salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Optional mini chocolate chips: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
Optional shredded coconut: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
Optional chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pepitas): 2 tablespoons (20 g)
Instructions
1. Line an 8 by 8 inch (20 by 20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, add peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir until melted and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat. Whisk in cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until glossy and fully combined.
4. Add rolled oats (plus any optional mix-ins). Fold until every oat is coated and the mixture is thick.
5. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press very firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the bottom of a glass.
6. Refrigerate until set and sliceable, 1 to 2 hours (or freeze 20 to 30 minutes for quicker setting).
7. Lift out using parchment, slice into 16 squares, and serve chilled or let sit 5 minutes for extra fudginess.
8. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Notes
For nut-free squares, use sunflower seed butter.
Rolled oats give the best chewy texture. Quick oats work but the bars will be softer.
If your mixture seems dry, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons more maple syrup or 1 tablespoon (15 g) more nut butter.
For clean cuts, chill fully and slice with a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then wiped dry between cuts.
Optional toppings: drizzle melted chocolate or dust lightly with cocoa powder after chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg