Gluten-Free Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Prepare an 8 x 8 baking dish lined with parchment paper, then set aside.

Prepare the oat layer:

• Add all ingredients for the oat layer to a food processor and process just enough to break the dates into tiny pieces and the mixture has a moist, crumbly texture. Take care to not over process or the oats will turn into oat flour. Set aside.

Prepare the chocolate layer:

• Add all ingredients for the chocolate layer to a small saucepan and melt on the lowest heat, stirring the entire time and taking care to not let the chocolate burn, then set aside.

Assembly:

• Add 1/2 the oat mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Pour the chocolate layer mixture evenly on top of the bottom layer of oat mixture, reserving a few tablespoons to drizzle on top if you'd like.
• Using your hands, take a handful of the remaining 1/2 of the oat mixture at a time and crumble it on top of the chocolate layer mixture until the chocolate layer is completely covered with the top layer of oat mixture.
• Using the palm of your hand, gently pat down the top layer into the chocolate until it is flat and as firm as possible without disturbing the chocolate layer.
• Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the top layer of the oat mixture.
• Place the baking dish in the freezer for approximately 60 minutes, or until it firms up and hardens.
• Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for about 5 minutes so they will be easy to cut.
• Store in an air-tight BPA-free container in the freezer or refrigerator until ready to serve because the bars will get soft and lose their shape if left out at room temperature.