Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously chewy treat combining the comforting flavors of peanut butter and oats with a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for an easy snack or dessert, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and nutty in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 oz milk chocolate chips (for topping)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º F (175º C). Grease or line a 13×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1 cup creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Step 5: Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
6. Step 6: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan.
7. Step 7: For the topping, place the milk chocolate chips and 1 cup creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 60 seconds, then stir until smooth and fully melted.
8. Step 8: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the warm bars and spread to cover the surface.
9. Step 9: Allow the topping to set completely at room temperature before cutting into bars and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, consider adding chopped peanuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more pronounced peanut flavor.
• Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate for a different twist.
• If you prefer a softer topping, warm the chocolate and peanut butter mixture for less time to keep it more spreadable.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to soften the topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture of the bars will be softer and less chewy compared to using old fashioned oats.

Is it necessary to melt the peanut butter with the chocolate chips for the topping?

Melting the peanut butter with the chocolate chips creates a smooth, creamy topping that spreads easily. If you skip this step, the topping might be uneven and harder to spread.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 86 reviews

Deliciously chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars topped with a smooth milk chocolate and peanut butter glaze. These bars combine the heartiness of oats with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, perfect for a satisfying snack or dessert.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

• 12 oz milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the bars.
2. Cream Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the two eggs and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated, creating a uniform batter.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Prepare for Baking: Press the mixture evenly into a 13×9 inch baking pan, spreading it out to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
6. Bake: Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly to prepare for the topping.
8. Prepare Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir thoroughly until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
9. Apply Topping: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the warm bars and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10. Set and Serve: Let the chocolate topping set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before slicing into bars and serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to keep bars tender.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars after the topping is fully set for clean edges.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Bars, Chocolate Topping, Easy Dessert, Snack Bars