Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars. I remember the first time I made these delicious treats—the aroma of baking peanut butter and sugar filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, a snack during the day, or a sweet after-dinner treat. As I took my first bite, the chewy oats combined with the creamy peanut butter created a flavor explosion that simply made my day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these bars have a way of brightening up any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

When it comes to the ingredients for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that rich, chewy texture and delectable flavor that we all love. Let’s take a closer look at these key players:

• 1/2 cup sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Brings a deep, molasses-like flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 1/2 cup peanut butter – The star ingredient that adds creaminess and flavor.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened – Helps to create a rich, moist texture in the bars.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
• 1 cup flour – Provides structure to the bars.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly and adds a touch of fluffiness.
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats – Adds chewiness and a wholesome texture.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened – Necessary for the frosting that tops the bars.
• 1/4 cup peanut butter – Used in the frosting to enhance its flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aromatic quality to the bars.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.

Instructions for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

Making Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars is a delightful experience, and the best part is how easy it is to follow these steps. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring that your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, and both types of sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream these ingredients together until they’re light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mix, helping your bars to be soft and tender.

3. Add in the egg and mix well until it’s fully incorporated. The egg adds moisture and richness, which are essential for a delicious texture.

4. Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and oats. Stir until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to combine all the ingredients.

5. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking. Press the mixture firmly into the dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out. It should feel wet, which is perfectly normal.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. The center might still look a bit soft, and that’s okay; it will firm up as it cools.

7. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This is important, as it will make frosting much easier.

8. While your bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. You may need to add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

9. Once your bars are cool, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting. A thin layer adds just the right amount of sweetness and complements the bars beautifully. If you prefer more frosting, feel free to double the frosting recipe!

10. Finally, cut the bars into squares and enjoy! You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear.

Ways to Customize

One of the best things about Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars is how easy they are to customize. Here are some fun ways to make them your own:

• Mix in chocolate chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
• Top with nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch.
• Make them dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and peanut butter for a dairy-free version.
• Try different nut butters: Swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a unique flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar or brown sugar slightly.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pair with a glass of milk: These bars are deliciously complemented by a cold glass of milk, making for a satisfying snack.
• Serve as a dessert: They make a wonderful dessert option for family gatherings and parties.
• Great for lunchboxes: Pack them in kids’ lunchboxes for a nutritious school snack.
• Enjoy with coffee: They’re perfect alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Best during any season: These bars can be enjoyed all year round, making them a staple in your recipe collection.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats and peanut butter into a sweet, chewy snack. Each bite is a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please everyone in the family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. Trust me, you won’t regret making these bars!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars are rich, chewy, and utterly addictive. Packed with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and oats, these bars are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Try them tonight for a delicious treat that the whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Oven
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 1 Egg
• 1 cup Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats
• 1/4 cup Butter, softened
• 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk
• 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, and both types of sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy.
• Add in the egg and mix well.
• Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and oats until well combined.
• Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. Press the mixture firmly into the dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
• Prepare the frosting by combining butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until you reach the desired consistency.
• Frost the cooled bars and cut into squares.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Tip 2: You can freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them well.
• Tip 3: Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Tip 4: A drizzle of chocolate on top can elevate these bars even more.
• Tip 5: If desired, make a thicker frosting by doubling the frosting ingredients.

Keyword Easy Snack Bars, Homemade Peanut Butter Treats, Oatmeal Bars Recipe, Peanut Butter Bars

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!