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These peanut butter bars are thick, rich, and heavenly! A thick layer of peanut butter mixed with rolled oats makes a creamy filling with a smooth chocolatey frosting that is an irresistible combination.
If you love peanut butter, then you are surely going to love these other peanut butter recipes like this yummy Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, these easy Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, and these new Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies!
Peanut Butter Bars
These Peanut Butter Bars are so delicious. Like, you won’t be able to stop at just one, delicious. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a mouthwatering treat. Plus, they are super easy to make with ingredients you probably already have. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still bake up these bars. Whether it’s for a party or a special treat just for yourself, these bars are a must-try!
My favorite ingredient in these Peanut Butter Bars are the rolled oats because they add in such a great texture and take this dessert to the next level. For more chocolate and peanut butter combos you should try these amazing Reese’s peanut butter cookies or these no bake buckeye peanut butter balls that are simple to make. Trust me, anytime you eat this combo, you won’t regret it!
Peanut Butter Bar Ingredients
The ingredients for this peanut butter bar recipe are so simple! It is easy to make and only takes minutes to mix together. To find all of the exact ingredient measurements, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Brown Sugar: Sweet and rich, brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor.
- Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and moisture to the bars.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth and nutty, it adds flavor and creaminess.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together.
- Salt: Salt enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Baking Soda: It helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
- Rolled Oats: Chewy and nutty, oats add texture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour provides structure and density.
- Cocoa: Cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm and aromatic flavor.
- Milk: Helps achieve a spreadable consistency and adds creaminess.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
- Cream together: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cream together the brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter.
- Blend Add the eggs, salt, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour. Blend until it is all mixed together.
- Layer the peanut butter filling: Spread on a large 15×9 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes, no longer, and let cool completely.
- Spread peanut butter on top: After the bars have cooled then spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top of the cookie. I use about 1/2 cup and soften it in the microwave to spread it easier.
- For the frosting: Melt butter and add the cocoa. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix together well and spread the final frosting layer on the top.
Tips and Substitutions
These peanut butter bars are easy to make, and these tips and substitutions will help you if you are missing any ingredients.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is best, but if you prefer a little more crunch in your bars, try it with the crunchy peanut butter.
- Rolled oats: If you do not have rolled oats, graham cracker crumbs will also work to replace them. The bars will not be as full but will have the same concept.
- Frosting: Make these even easier and buy store-bought chocolate frosting to spread over the peanut butter filling.
- Prepare pan: It is best to line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper before adding the peanut butter filling. Lifting the bars out of the pan with the foil or paper on the bottom will be easier when slicing them.
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Peanut Butter Bars, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for 3-4 days. They can be served chilled, or you can bring them to room temperature before serving.
More Delicious Dessert Bars to Try
Dessert bars are so easy and delicious. They are the perfect hand held treat for any occasion. I’ve gathered up a few more of my favorites that you should definitely try!
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Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons cocoa
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cream together the brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and peanut butter.
- Add the eggs, salt, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour. Blend until it is all mixed together.
- Spread on a large 15×9 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes, and let cool completely.
- After cooling, spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top of the cookie. I use about 1/2 cup and soften it in the microwave to spread it easier.
- For the frosting, melt butter and add the cocoa. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix together very well and spread the final frosting layer on the very top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Jerriann,
Do you use light or dark brown sugar? & regular or quick oats? This I must try, sounds so yummy👍
I used light brown sugar, quick oats but either work. Hope you love them as much as I do!
How much powdered sugar do you use for the frosting? It’s missing from the ingredients list.
From the photo I thought the oats were Rice Krispies. That would be great, too.
These look like the ones we got for schoolwhen I was a kid. Can’t wait to try them.
Any idea if these freeze well? Thanks!
My Bible study is studying Esther. I have to take a snack tomorrow and are taking these. I’m calling them Haman Bars. If you don’t know the story, Haman is an evil man.
I’m eager to try this! Any rough idea on the dimensions of the baking pan? Thanks!
I used a 15×9 pan! 🙂
Great for any get togethers .Adults love them as well as the kids. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Yum! I love anything peanut butter and chocolate. These look great!
These look great. I love your comment that they are the devil! I think I might have to give these a try!
Thanks so much for following me on Google+. I am following you there and here and hope you might be able to join me at my blog this weekend at my weekly Say G’day linky party! I would be thrilled if you could link up this yummy post to the link up!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Hey, I think you found me on google so I clicked on your blog and it’s adorable! I love your recipes. Definitely a new follower- visit mine when you get a chance! 🙂
-Alyssa
sugarspiceandadvice.blogspot.com
Hi Alyssa! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your sweet comments on my post – Create a College Student Sewing Kit, and for following me too! I wanted to reply to your comment but couldn’t because you are a “No Reply Blogger” which means that when you leave a comment on a blog that blogger can’t reply back to it…but don’t worry its easy to fix in your Blogger Profile Settings. There is a great article to read about how to fix it here at Turnstyle Vogue blog : http://www.turnstylevogue.com/2012/02/replying-to-comments/
Hope this helps as you grow your blog and your bloggy network of friends! Take care, Heather