Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a chewy, satisfying treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with wholesome oats. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chips)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bars are golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to ensure clean edges.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Use natural peanut butter for a more intense, less sweet flavor.
• Swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to vary the taste.
• Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be less chewy and more cakey. Rolled oats give a better, heartier texture for these bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars safe for gluten-free diets.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine the wholesome heartiness of oats with the rich flavors of peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly chewy and subtly sweet, they make a delicious snack or treat for any time of the day.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt within the dry base.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, packed brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and maintain a chewy texture.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter for a balanced distribution.
6. Transfer and Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top for uniform thickness.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bars are golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to ensure clean cuts and proper setting.

Notes

• You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• If you prefer the bars softer, reduce the baking time slightly.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• To make these bars vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter.

Keywords: chocolate chip bars, peanut butter oatmeal bars, healthy snack bars, baked oatmeal bars, chewy bars, homemade snack bars