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!
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.