Turn off your ovens, people. The temperature is hot, and so are my desserts (yes, I complimented myself, whatever). Not this recipe, though. I’m saving on your electricity bill and making your life sweet all at the same time. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a hot June’s friend.
Am I reinventing the wheel? No, but this recipe is a great, tasty treat that is simple without heating up your kitchen, like a vacation for your oven.
It has already been too hot for me. Thank goodness I was up in Vail at the Vail Cascade for Memorial Day weekend. What a fantastic resort, and a great reminder how lucky we are to live in Colorado. Not that I don’t feel that way waking up in Boulder every day, but sometimes it is good to get out of the bubble.
I bring up Vail Cascade because it was a great culinary experience as well. Atwater on Gore Creek, which is the restaurant there, is simply delicious. You don’t need to leave the resort for world-class dining — or just a bite by the pool. I wanted to bring all their desserts home with me, but there just wasn’t room in my suitcase. You’d think a Dessert Diva would be prepared for those kinds of things. I’m hoping I can steal a recipe for my TV segment and spread the Vail Cascade love.
My tasty no-bake dessert will have to do for now. No one will be disappointed. Oatmeal, chocolate and peanut butter — not a bad day’s work. This is a great treat to make with the kiddies, too. Let them get their hands dirty pressing it down into the pan.
Anti-bacterial soap and a little cocktail should get you through the experience. I think I will go make a batch right now. Not kiddos, but cocktails.
Now, follow the directions, put some love into it and invite me over when it’s done.
NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE OATMEAL BARS
1 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup sliced almonds (plus one tbsp. for garnish) 2 3/4 cups quick-cook oats 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup crunchy peanut butter (you can use smooth)
Place parchment paper in a 9 x 9-inch baking pan (you can use an 8 x 8 pan too). In medium saucepan on low/ medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, almond extract, cinnamon and sliced almonds. Stir until well combined. Fold in oatmeal and stir until oatmeal is covered with butter mixture.
Press mixture into baking pan, making sure mixture is patted down firm. Set aside.
Melt chocolate chips in small pan on low heat (or in microwaveable bowl). Stir in peanut butter, mix well. Pour over top of oatmeal mixture and top with one tablespoon crushed almonds.
Let cool for 15 minutes and then set in refrigerator. Let sit an hour. Take out, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!
You can watch the Dessert Diva every Monday at 8:35 a.m. on Channel 2. To contact Danette at the station, visit 2thedeuce.com, and click on Daybreak on the Deuce. To chat and/or send comments and suggestions, write to [email protected].
