No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

1Preparing the Oat Base Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2In a large bowl, combine rolled oats (2½ cups), almond butter (1 cup), honey (½ cup), unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

3Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the pan using a spatula.

4Preparing the Chocolate Topping In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips (1½ cups), almond butter (½ cup), honey (¼ cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

5Pour the chocolate topping over the oat base in the baking pan, spreading it into an even layer.

6Chilling and Serving Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.

7Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares.