Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter bars topped with a creamy chocolate frosting. These bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter, buttery oats, and a smooth chocolate glaze, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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 over baked bars
- 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)
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, add the 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, and 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Combine Mixtures and Press: Add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet, creamy peanut butter mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. Firmly press the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake: Bake the bars at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 17-21 minutes, or until the surface is no longer glossy but just barely set in the center. Avoid over-baking as the bars will harden while cooling.
- Cool and Spread Peanut Butter: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter evenly over the top of the bars.
- Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder. Remove from heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons milk, 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk or use electric beaters to smooth out any lumps until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the peanut butter layer on the bars. Allow the frosting to set before slicing.
Notes
- Yield: Makes 24 peanut butter bars. Serving size is 1 bar.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Prepare the bars as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week. The dough can also be made one day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: After preparing and frosting, cover the bars well and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature before slicing.
Keywords: peanut butter bars, chocolate frosting, easy dessert, baked bars, oat bars, peanut butter dessert
