Recipe naming really isn’t my forte, as you can see from that unwieldy title.
Eating is my forte.
I’m ok with this.
These chocolatey, peanut buttery squares happened because:
a) it was too hot to bake
b) I was out of butter anyways
c) I had overbought peanut butter and needed to deal with it, and quickly, and with minimal effort, and before 9 a.m. when the house starts heating up beyond liveable limits.
d) I have a problem with heat.
e) Heat has a problem with me.
f) Carl has a problem with me having a problem with heat.
g) If I make snacks he thinks I am coping well.
*Note: I am not coping well. Please send air conditioners.
Long story (kind of) short: it’s a good thing these happened, because sometimes I think it is impossible to bake without butter (or in this case, not bake without butter, but whatevs, potayto potatto). But when you don’t have butter, and peanut butter has the word “butter” in it, you assume all will be well and forge ahead with throwing things into a bowl.
These are 5-minute, 1-bowl easiness, and while the result is not a knock-your-socks off, best-I’ve-ever-had square, not everything can fall into that category, and let’s face it, those things usually involve butter and actual baking. This is a perfect addition to my regular snack rotation: a reasonably healthy, more than reasonably fabulous no-bake square. Gluten free, dairy free with the appropriate chocolate, egg free, full of healthy things, and did I mention there’s chocolate? You don’t need an oven, you don’t even need a stove – all you need is a functioning microwave for these babies! You certainly could use a saucepan if you aren’t the microwaving type, but to me no-bake means no heating up my kitchen, and turning on my stove = heat.
Add up to an extra cup of other mix-ins if you like, such as dried cranberries, nuts, seeds, etc. I like mine pretty plain, especially when I want to be done in 5 minutes…coconut, wheat germ and/or ground flax, and oats. Perfect. Let them set in the fridge for an hour, cut them into squares, and enjoy straight from the fridge or freezer (yes, these fall into that dangerous snack category that tastes great straight from the freezer :)).
Have a great weekend, everyone!
- 1½ cups smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Microwave peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips in large bowl on full power for 45 seconds. Stir until smooth and combined, microwaving in additional 10 second increments if needed to melt chocolate.
- Add oats, coconut, ground flax, vanilla, and salt and stir to coat evenly.
- Press into parchment paper-lined or lightly greased 8x11" or 9x9" baking dish and cool in the fridge until set (about 1 hour). Lift out of pan with parchment paper and place on cutting board. Cut into 16-20 squares. Store in airtight container in fridge or freezer. (If you like slightly thinner squares, or want to cut them more like granola bars, use a 9x13" pan).
These look great! I love stuff like that. Mixing peanut butter, chocolate, oats and coconut together is one of the greatest things ever. There’s just no way to mess up the recipe! :)
My thoughts exactly – some ingredients are just meant to be together :)
LOL…. so heat isn’t your friend? :-P
How can you have no rain out there?
No bakes are the best!
I’m all about no bake these days! Can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate!
Here is a question for Erin…Does Enjoy Life chocolate melt okay?
Yup! I melted it to drizzle on those egg-free marshmallows while you were visiting and it melted exactly like any chocolate, if not better.
Looks delicious! I love “Enjoy Life” brand chocolate chips and chunks, and Nick knows I love me some peanut butter. Every morning starts off with a spoonful straight from the jar. :)