Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with hearty oats and a delightful chocolate peanut butter topping. Perfectly soft and chewy with a golden edge, these bars make an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main 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
Topping
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) preparing for baking the bars.
- Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a smooth, well-incorporated base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Press into Pan and Bake: Evenly press the batter into a greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set but not overbaked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly to set firmly before adding the topping.
- Prepare Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat for 60 seconds, then stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Apply Topping: Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the bars and spread gently into a smooth layer.
- Set and Serve: Let the topping set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for best creaming results.
- Don’t overmix once the flour and oats are added to keep bars tender.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; chunky peanut butter will alter the consistency.
- Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months—wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, Peanut Butter Dessert, Oatmeal Bars, Homemade Snack Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars