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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients  

For the Base Layer:
  • 240 g 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, certified gluten-free if needed
  • 120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 150 g ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 100 g ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 g ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 g ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 113 g ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 240 g 1 cup natural peanut butter, room temperature
  • 1 large egg room temperature (60g)
  • 10 ml 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
  • 170 g 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 30 g 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
  • 60 g ¼ cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 g ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional Mix-ins:
  • 85 g ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 60 g ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 40 g ⅓ cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease parchment with butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 2: Create the Dry Mix Foundation

  • In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, both sugars, baking soda, and salt until completely uniform—about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking. This ensures even distribution and prevents pockets of baking soda that can create metallic flavors.
    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth and well-emulsified. The mixture should look glossy and cohesive if peanut butter seems too thick, warm slightly to make mixing easier.
    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 4: Form the Bar Base

  • Pour wet ingredients over dry mixture. Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, mix until just combined and mixture holds together when squeezed. Don't overmix—stop as soon as no dry flour pockets remain. Fold in any desired mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 5: Press and Bake

  • Transfer mixture to prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly into corners using the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands. Surface should be compact and level for even baking.
    Bake for 22-26 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center appears set but still soft. Don't overbake bars will continue firming as they cool.
    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 6: Add Chocolate Topping (Optional)

  • While bars cool, prepare chocolate layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, coconut oil, peanut butter, and salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
    Pour over cooled bars, spreading evenly with offset spatula. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set chocolate before cutting.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

  • Cool completely in pan for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan, then cut with sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
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