No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
   • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Press into Pan:
   • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
6. Chill:
   • Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the mixture has set.
7. Cut into Bars:
   • Once the mixture has set, lift the parchment paper to remove the slab from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into bars.
8. Serve:
   • Enjoy your no-bake chocolate oat bars! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, dried fruits, or other mix-ins of your choice. Enjoy!