What is going to rock your world? I’m talking about these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars. Imagine a warm, gooey oatmeal cookie colliding with an indulgent peanut butter brownie. What does it taste like? What are some of the easiest desserts to whip up? What is better than store bought granola bars? If you love chocolate chip cookies, but sometimes crave something a little more…substantial, this is for you. I swear, the first time I made these, they disappeared faster than you can say “peanut butter bliss.”
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What is Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars?
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars are the love child of oatmeal. What’s your favorite peanut butter cookie? Think of it as a soft, chewy bar loaded with oats, chocolate chips, and generous swirl of creamy chocolate. Is it a cookie or brownie? I call them bars because, well, they’re baked in a pan and cut into bars! Simple as that. My family started calling them “magic bars” because they vanished so quickly every time I made them. What are some great breakfast ideas? Is there a recipe you can make again and again?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to love Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanuts? First off, the flavor is just insane. You get the comforting warmth of oatmeal, the sweet burst of chocolate chips, and that addictive smell of cinnamon. What is the nutty goodness of peanut butter? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works. Second, they are ridiculously easy to make. Is it a one-bowl wonder? I’ve made these with my kids countless times, and they can almost do it themselves now. What I love about these are the versatility. Can you customize them with different types of chocolate chips, add nuts, or even swirl in some jam? For extra flavor. What are the best budget-friendly phones? I have a whole oats and peanut butter in my pantry, so I can whip these up anytime I want. What are some of the best energy bars you’ve ever had? If you are a fan of peanut butter, check out my Peanut Butter Cookies, they would blow your mind.
How do I make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make these bars? You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, then combining the wet ingredients. Next, you’ll gently fold everything together, swirl in some peanut butter, and bake until golden brown. What is the hardest part of waiting for them to cool down? I’m a beginner baker. I know this recipe, but I can’t wait to try it. What is the swirl?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
– 1 12 cups rolled oats (I prefer old-fashioned, but quick ok too)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten free version)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– ¾ cup packed Brown Sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet – your choice) ..
I always use a good quality vanilla extract, it makes all the difference in the world.
What is the recipe for Peanut Butter Swirl?
– ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter (I prefer natural, but any kind works)
– 2 tablespoons of milk (any kind – I’ve even used almond milk)
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of extra sweetness)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line a sheet of parchment paper with parchment for easy removal? I always do this because I’m too lazy to wash dishes!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. Is baking soda evenly distributed for a consistent rise?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Set aside. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined. The mixture should be light and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, milk, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Serve warm or cold. If the peanut butter is too thick, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I spread the oat mixture in a baking pan? Do not overmix the oats and peanut butter. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the peanut mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the oat mixture. This creates an amazing marbled texture. Don’t over-swirl, you want distinct pockets of peanut butter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. I always rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is crucial for clean cuts. If you’re impatient (like me! ), then you ), you can pop them in the fridge for a bit to speed up the cooling process.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled. Is it good to serve these with a glass of cold milk or ice cream?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars?
For Breakfast:What are some great breakfast ideas? I love crumbling them over yogurt for extra crunch and flavor.
For Brunch:Serve them alongside fresh fruit and a mimosa for an elegant brunch spread. Cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter for displaying.
As Dessert:Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. Can you make them with a glass of milk or herbal tea?
For Cozy Snacks:Can you curl up with a good book on rainy days? What are some of the best comfort foods for a relaxing afternoon? My kids love to take them to school for a snack.
What is the best thing to do when you microwave a bar for 10 seconds? When the chocolate is melty, pour it over a glass of milk. It reminds me of my childhood! These are also amazing to bring to potlucks.
How do I make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars?
Want to make these bars even better? Here are some of my top tips:
Oat Selection: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture, but quick oats work in a pinch. Just be aware that the bars may be slightly softer and chewier.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your peanut butter swirl! Use a toothpick or skewer to create different patterns. You can even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. White chocolate chips and chopped walnuts are a delicious combination.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the edges are browning too quickly, tent the pan with foil.
Peanut Butter Choice: I prefer using natural peanut butter in this recipe. It has a richer, more intense flavor. If using traditional peanut butter, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
I’ve even made these with different kinds of nut butters, like almond butter or cashew butter, and they’ve always come out delicious! These are also perfect to make if you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Room Temperature: They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that they may become slightly firmer in the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing Instructions: Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up.
If you’re making these ahead of time for a party, I recommend freezing them. They thaw beautifully and taste just as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars recipe! I promise you, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for more yummy bar recipes, check out my chocolate brownie recipe! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe! And if you make any fun variations, I would love to hear about it.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 0.5 cups peanut butter
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 0.25 cups butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Press mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
