Sometimes, you just want something sweet without turning your kitchen into a sauna or pulling out half your pantry. That’s where these 5 ingredient fudge bars step in like a chocolate superhero. They’re rich, chewy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. Bonus? No butter. No baking. No stress. Just grab a bowl and a spoon—we’re making magic.
What Makes These Fudge Bars So Special?
These bars fall under the umbrella of no bake chocolate cookies, but with an easier twist. There’s no stovetop stirring or complicated steps. If you can stir and press, you can make these. They hit that sweet spot between indulgent dessert and practical pantry snack.
You might already have all five ingredients sitting in your kitchen. And yes, they deliver all the gooey goodness you’d expect from a bakery-style bar. Minus the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the best part: five ingredients. That’s it. Keep these stocked, and you’re never far from a homemade treat.
- Rolled oats – 1 1/2 cups
- Peanut butter – 1/2 cup (creamy or crunchy works)
- Honey or maple syrup – 1/3 cup
- Cocoa powder – 1/4 cup, unsweetened
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl. Stir together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla until smooth. It should look glossy and thick.
2. Add Cocoa Powder
Sprinkle in the cocoa powder. Stir slowly at first—it tends to poof up like a cloud. Once it’s combined, you’ll have a dreamy, chocolatey base.
3. Fold in the Oats
Add the oats gradually. Mix until everything is coated evenly. Your mixture will be thick and sticky—just what we want.
4. Press into Pan
Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan using the back of a spoon or clean hands. Pack it tightly.
5. Chill and Slice
Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Once set, lift out the parchment and slice into bars.
Why These Bars Are The Best No Bake Cookies (Yes, We Said It)
They’re fast. They’re easy. They don’t require any fancy ingredients. And they hold their shape—none of that soft-gooey-mess-that-melts-in-your-hands stuff.
Craving chocolate late at night? Boom. These got you. Need a quick snack before your next Zoom meeting? Still got you. Hosting guests and need a plate of treats in 20 minutes? You know the answer.
Ways to Mix It Up
These bars are a blank canvas. Here are some twists you can try:
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for that sweet-salty contrast.
- Toss in mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical edge.
- Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter if you want a different flavor.
- Add chopped nuts for crunch.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezer: These freeze like a dream. Layer between parchment and store for up to 3 months.
- Room Temp: Okay for 1-2 days, but they’ll hold best when chilled.
Tips For Trying This Recipe
- Use natural peanut butter for a softer texture and less sugar.
- Want them firmer? Add a few tablespoons of extra oats.
- Cut clean bars by running your knife under warm water.
- Don’t overthink it — these are forgiving. Stir, press, chill, done.
- Small batch? Cut everything in half and use a loaf pan.
Final Thoughts
These 5 ingredient fudge bars are the real deal. Quick. Customizable. Delicious. And frankly, dangerously easy to make. You don’t need an oven. You don’t need butter. You just need a craving for something sweet and about ten minutes.
Whether you’re making them for a late-night snack, your kids’ lunchboxes, or just to cure a midweek craving, these bars hit the mark.
Give them a try. And maybe hide a few before they disappear. Just saying.
5 Ingredient Fudge Bars
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla until smooth.
- Add in the cocoa powder and mix until it’s fully combined.
- Pour in the rolled oats and stir until everything is coated and sticky.
- Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan using a spoon or clean hands.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Once set, lift out the parchment and cut into squares or bars.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a softer texture and less sugar.
- Maple syrup gives a slightly more caramel-like flavor than honey.
- For cleaner slices, run your knife under warm water before cutting.
- You can double the batch and use a larger pan if needed.
- Store bars in the fridge for best texture.
FAQs: Your Fudge Bar Questions, Answered
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats hold up better and give more bite.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
Sure! Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter all work great.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
You can use melted dark chocolate (about 1/2 cup), but you may need to reduce the sweetener.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based peanut butter.
Do they melt at room temp?
They soften, but they won’t completely melt. For best shape, keep them chilled.
Can kids make this recipe?
Absolutely. It’s a great intro to no-bake treats. Just some stirring and pressing—no heat involved.
