Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter for a balanced distribution.
- Transfer and Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top for uniform thickness.
- 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.
- 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
