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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/3 cup maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan if desired) - 1/4 cup coconut cream (optional, for creamier texture) - Sea salt flakes for topping These ingredients come together to make a tasty treat. The rolled oats give a chewy base. Medjool dates add natural sweetness. Almond butter or peanut butter binds everything together. Maple syrup adds a nice flavor. Vanilla extract and salt enhance the taste. Dark chocolate chips provide a rich, creamy layer. Coconut cream adds a lovely texture if you want it. Sea salt flakes on top create a perfect sweet-salty finish. You can swap almond butter for peanut butter. This change gives a different flavor. If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter. You can replace dark chocolate chips with any chocolate you like. Choose white chocolate for a different taste. If you don’t have coconut cream, just skip it. The bars will still taste great without it. Use fresh medjool dates for the best flavor. They should be soft and moist. Choose rolled oats labeled as gluten-free if you need them to be gluten-free. Look for high-quality chocolate chips; they make a difference in taste. For nut butters, pick natural brands without added sugars. Fresh ingredients make these bars taste amazing. Always check for sea salt flakes that are flaky and not too coarse. To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, medjool dates, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Place them into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it sticks together but still has some texture. You want it to be thick and sticky. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. Now, transfer the oat mixture into the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it down. Make sure it is even and compact. This helps the bars hold their shape. Now it’s time to melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, add dark chocolate chips and coconut cream if you want a creamier texture. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Once smooth, pour the melted chocolate over the pressed oat layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Finally, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top. This enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds a nice crunch. To get the right texture for your bars, blend the oats and dates well. You want a sticky mix that still holds some texture. If it feels too dry, add more almond butter or a splash of maple syrup. If it’s too wet, add a bit more oats. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to keep it from crumbling later. Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them longer, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months frozen. Use a food processor to mix the ingredients evenly. This tool makes blending quick and easy. A good spatula helps spread the chocolate smoothly over the oat layer. Finally, a sharp knife is key for cutting the bars into neat squares after they set. {{image_2}} You can change up the nut butter in this recipe. Almond butter adds a nutty flavor, but peanut butter works great too. Try sunflower seed butter for a different taste. You can also experiment with chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate adds sweetness. For a fun twist, use white chocolate. To make these bars even better, add some crunchy bits. Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch. Seeds like chia or flaxseed boost the nutrition and texture. You can also mix in dried fruit, like cranberries or apricots. These add sweetness and chewiness to your bars. If you need a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy the bars. For a vegan version, use maple syrup and dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free. You can also skip the coconut cream if you want a lighter treat. These small changes keep the recipe tasty for all diets. To keep your salted caramel chocolate oat bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want a quick snack, grab one from the fridge whenever you need a treat. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. These bars stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. After that, their taste and texture may change. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For the best flavor, eat them within the first few days after making them. Enjoy the sweet, salty goodness while they’re at their best! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They actually taste better after chilling in the fridge. I love making a batch on Sunday for quick snacks during the week. If you don't have almond butter, you can use peanut butter. Sunflower seed butter is another great option for nut-free diets. Each of these will add a unique flavor. The bars are set when they feel firm to the touch. After chilling for at least an hour, they should hold their shape when you cut them. If they feel too soft, give them more time in the fridge. Yes, you can use quick oats or steel-cut oats if you prefer. Keep in mind that quick oats will yield a smoother texture. Steel-cut oats will add a chewier bite. Adjust your blending time based on the type you use. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making delicious bars. You learned about variations, storage, and answers to common questions. With these insights, you can create the perfect bars to share with others. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the process. Keep these tips handy for success every time you bake. Happy cooking!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars No-Bake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars with this easy recipe! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, medjool dates, and dark chocolate, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. With a simple step-by-step guide, you'll create a rich and satisfying snack that's sure to impress. Click through to discover how to whip up these delightful bars today and satisfy your sweet tooth!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan if desired)

1/4 cup coconut cream (optional, for creamier texture)

Sea salt flakes for topping

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, chopped medjool dates, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and sticky, but still has some texture.

    Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

      Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and press it down evenly into the bottom using your hands or a spatula. Ensure it is compact to prevent crumbling.

        In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut cream (if using) and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted and smooth.

          Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed oat layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

            Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the chocolate layer to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

              Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.

                Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or bars.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 12 bars