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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously chewy and satisfying treat, combining the nutty flavor of creamy peanut butter with wholesome oats and a rich chocolate peanut butter topping. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they are easy to make with simple ingredients and require minimal preparation time.

Ingredients

Bar 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 to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
  2. Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, along with 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla. Mix in the two whole eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated into the batter.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients. Add the oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Press and Bake. Transfer the batter to a 13×9 inch baking pan, pressing it down evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  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 milk chocolate chips and 1 cup creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  8. Spread Topping. Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the bars and spread into a smooth layer.
  9. Set and Serve. Allow the chocolate topping to set completely at room temperature before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure even creaming and better texture.
  • Press the dough evenly in the pan to promote uniform baking.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
  • If desired, substitute milk chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a less sweet topping.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.