Introduction

Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful treat combining rich peanut butter flavor with a soft, chewy texture and a smooth chocolate frosting. These bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day. Whether for a snack or a dessert, they’re sure to please peanut butter lovers.

The image shows five square bars stacked on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface underneath. Each bar has two layers: the bottom layer is golden brown with visible oats that give a rough, crumbly texture, while the top layer is smooth and thick with a darker brown chocolate-like coating. Loose oats are scattered around the plate on the white marbled surface. The bars look soft yet firm, with clean cuts showing the contrast between the oat base and chocolate topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Bars:

3/4 cup butter (170g), room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
1 cup light brown sugar (220g)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (135g), plus more for spreading
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (188g)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (170g)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1/4 cup butter (57g)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (150g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, all-purpose flour, and rolled oats.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Press the batter firmly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, creating an even layer.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 21 minutes. The bars should lose their glossy appearance and be just barely set in the center. Avoid over-baking as the bars will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter evenly over the top of the bars.
Step 9: To prepare the chocolate frosting, melt the 1/4 cup butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Step 10: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth, then remove from heat.
Step 11: Add the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture. Whisk until smooth, using an electric mixer if needed to break up any lumps.
Step 12: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the peanut butter layer on the bars.
Step 13: Allow the frosting to set before slicing the bars into 24 squares.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier texture, substitute old-fashioned rolled oats with quick oats or add chopped peanuts into the mix.
If you prefer a richer peanut butter flavor, increase the peanut butter in the batter or add a swirl on top before baking.
Use natural peanut butter to avoid added sugars and an extra boost of flavor.
Try substituting the chocolate frosting with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a lighter topping.

Storage

Store the peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat slightly if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

A white plate holds six square oat bars stacked in a small pile. Each bar has two layers: the bottom layer is a light golden color, textured with visible oats and a slightly rough surface, while the top layer is smooth with a thick, even coating of milk chocolate brown. The oat layer looks dense and crumbly, and the chocolate layer is shiny and firm, covering the entire top surface of each bar. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with scattered oat flakes around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you like added texture, though creamy peanut butter will give a smoother batter and topping.

Why are my bars too soft or gooey in the center?

This can happen if the bars are underbaked. Make sure to bake until they lose their glossy shine and are just set in the center. They will firm up as they cool.