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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

Delicious and chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars featuring a buttery, peanut buttery base with oats and a rich chocolate peanut butter topping. These bars are perfect for a snack or dessert, combining the hearty texture of oats with the creamy sweetness of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredients

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 with both kinds of sugar and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation of air for a tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the two eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully combined, which will help bind the bars together.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the texture soft and chewy.
  5. Press and Bake: Press the batter evenly into a 13×9 inch baking pan, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft.
  6. Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool slightly to prepare for the topping.
  7. Prepare Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 12 oz of milk chocolate chips with 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds and then stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  8. Apply Topping: Pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the warm bars and spread it evenly to fully cover the surface.
  9. Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate topping to set at room temperature before slicing the bars and serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overbake to maintain chewiness; the bars will firm up as they cool.
  • The chocolate peanut butter topping can be stored in the refrigerator to set faster, but bring back to room temperature before serving for best texture.
  • You can substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a less sweet variation.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.