Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1.5 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup smooth peanut butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips

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There’s something truly nostalgic about baking, especially when it involves a delightful treat like Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars. I remember the first time I made these bars; my kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of melting butter and warm peanut butter. The world outside felt distant as I mixed the ingredients with my hands, feeling the sticky dough come together. These bars quickly became a family favorite, perfect for school lunches or a sweet evening snack. Every bite bursts with the goodness of oats, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the indulgent chocolate chunks that make each bar a heavenly experience. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
48 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
23 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Baking Sheet, Oven

Why You Need This Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

One of the things that makes Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars stand out is the incredible flavor combination. Who can resist the creamy richness of peanut butter paired with the sweet, melty chocolate? It’s a match made in heaven!

Healthy Ingredients

These bars are not just delicious; they’re also packed with healthy ingredients. The use of old-fashioned oats offers a wonderful texture and provides fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, they are made with wholesome ingredients like unsalted butter, which adds richness without being overly heavy.

Quick and Easy to Make

If you’re short on time, you’ll love how quickly these bars come together. Mixing the ingredients takes just a few minutes and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey bars ready to satisfy any craving!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, need a treat for a bake sale, or simply want something sweet for yourself, Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars fit the bill. They can be enjoyed at any time of the day, from breakfast to dessert.

Storing and Sharing

Not only are they easy to make, but they store beautifully as well. Keep them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. I love sharing them with friends and family, and they always appreciate a homemade treat.

Recipe Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

When it comes to the ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars, simplicity is key. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour acts as the base, while old-fashioned oats provide chewiness and heartiness. The peanut butter brings in that creamy element, complemented perfectly by semi-sweet chocolate chunks that add a delightful sweetness. Together, they create a balance that is simply irresistible.

1.5 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of these bars, giving them structure.
1.5 cups old-fashioned oats: Adds chewiness and a wholesome touch.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a fluffy texture.

¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and binds the ingredients together.
¼ cup smooth peanut butter: Adds creaminess and a nutty flavor.

1 cup packed light brown sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and texture.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and contributes to the bars’ richness.
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips: The sweet, melty goodness that makes these bars irresistible.

Recipe Directions for Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delectable treats! Follow along carefully for the best results.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfectly baked bar right from the start.
Line a 13" x 9" pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
In another mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter and ¼ cup of smooth peanut butter with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until creamy.
Add in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 3 minutes.

Add in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This incorporation is important for a smooth batter.
Gradually add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Fold in 1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate will melt slightly as the bars bake, creating gooey pockets of sweetness.

Spread the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula for even baking.
Bake for 23 to 26 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly browned. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for a bit before lifting them out using the foil or parchment. Cut into squares and enjoy! Keep them stored in an air-tight container for up to five days.

Things Worth Knowing

Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done!
Cooling time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
Ingredient temperature: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.

Consistent mixing: Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid dense bars.

Tips and Variations

When it comes to Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience:

Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain their freshness.

Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Variations: Try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Serving suggestion: These bars are fantastic served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.

Adjust sweetness: Feel free to reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bar, or add a touch of honey for a different flavor profile.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

When it comes to serving Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars, there are many delightful ways to enjoy them. Here’s how to elevate your serving game:

For breakfast: Pair bars with a glass of milk or a smoothie for a satisfying morning meal.

As a snack: They make for a perfect pick-me-up during the day, whether at work or school.
For dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
In lunchboxes: Cut them into smaller squares for a nutritious and delicious addition to kids’ lunches.

At gatherings: Offer them as a sweet treat at parties or barbecues; they’re sure to be a hit!
Seasonal pairings: Enjoy these bars with a warm cup of coffee during the fall or paired with summer berries for a fresh twist.

FAQ

Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are unique due to the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chunks, which adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor that regular oatmeal bars often lack. The use of old-fashioned oats gives them a chewy texture, while the balance of sugars creates a moist and satisfying treat. Unlike traditional oatmeal bars that might be on the healthier side, these bars celebrate indulgence, making them a perfect dessert option.

Absolutely! While the original recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars is delicious, feel free to experiment with ingredients. If you want to make it healthier, you could replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use natural peanut butter. You can also add in extras like chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that substitutions may change the taste and texture slightly, so adjust accordingly.

To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months that way. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

These versatile Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are perfect for a wide range of occasions. They make a fantastic dessert for family gatherings or potlucks, and they’re also great for lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack at work. You can serve them warm with ice cream during a cozy family movie night or cut them into smaller pieces for a bake sale. Whatever the occasion, they’re bound to be a hit!

Conclusion

The Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a special treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a chewy texture that everyone loves. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or simply for a satisfying snack at home. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just create a new family favorite in the process!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

The ultimate treat for any sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in a delightful chewy base. A perfect snack or dessert that is easy to make and simply irresistible, you'll want to whip up a batch tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 23

Total Time 48

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

1.5 cup all-purpose flour
1.5 cup old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfectly baked bar right from the start.

Line a 13" x 9" pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
In another mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter and ¼ cup of smooth peanut butter with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until creamy.

Add in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 3 minutes.
Add in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This incorporation is important for a smooth batter.
Gradually add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.

Fold in 1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate will melt slightly as the bars bake, creating gooey pockets of sweetness.
Spread the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula for even baking.
Bake for 23 to 26 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly browned. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for a bit before lifting them out using the foil or parchment. Cut into squares and enjoy! Keep them stored in an air-tight container for up to five days.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain their freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Variations: Try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Serving suggestion: These bars are fantastic served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bar, or add a touch of honey for a different flavor profile.