Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the two eggs and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated, creating a uniform batter.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Press the mixture evenly into a 13×9 inch baking pan, spreading it out to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly to prepare for the topping.
- 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.
- Apply Topping: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the warm bars and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- 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