Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat combining the nutty richness of peanut butter with the wholesome texture of oats. Perfect for a snack or a quick breakfast, they are easy to make and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (150 g) all-purpose/plain flour
• 1 cup (80 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp baking/bicarb soda
• 1/2 cup (125 g) butter – melted
• 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup peanut butter (crunchy recommended)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175 degrees C (350°F). Line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Press about three-quarters of the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, reserving the remaining quarter for topping. Bake the base for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the base bakes, mix the peanut butter and maple syrup in a small bowl. Warm the peanut butter slightly in the microwave if needed to make it easier to spread.
7. Step 7: Remove the partially baked base from the oven and spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over it.
8. Step 8: Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the peanut butter layer and return the dish to the oven.
9. Step 9: Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is cooked through and lightly golden brown.
10. Step 10: Let the bars cool on the bench for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to firm up.
11. Step 11: Use the baking paper overhang to lift the bars out of the tin and cut into squares. Cutting while too warm will cause the bars to fall apart.

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture, or smooth if preferred.
• If your peanut butter is very thick, warming it slightly makes spreading easier.
• Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar if desired.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the topping for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to one month. Reheat briefly at room temperature before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the bars safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Can I make these bars without butter?

Butter helps bind the bars and provides richness, but you can substitute melted coconut oil in equal measure for a dairy-free alternative.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously chewy and crunchy treat packed with wholesome oats and the rich flavor of crunchy peanut butter. Perfect as a snack or a sweet bite, these bars combine simple ingredients with an easy two-step baking process to deliver a delightful homemade dessert that’s sure to satisfy peanut butter lovers.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (150 g) all-purpose/plain flour
• 1 cup (80 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp baking/bicarb soda

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (125 g) butter – melted
• 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup peanut butter (crunchy preferred)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the bars.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides to make removal easier after baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, sea salt, and baking soda. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter and add it to a separate bowl. Combine with brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Form Base Layer: Press about 3/4 of the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish, reserving roughly 100 g (about 1/2 cup firmly packed) of the remaining mixture for the topping. Bake the base for 10 minutes.
7. Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and maple syrup. If the peanut butter is very thick, microwave it for a few seconds until slightly softened and easier to spread.
8. Apply Peanut Butter Layer: Remove the baked base from the oven and immediately spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over it.
9. Add Topping: Crumble the reserved 1/4 of the mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer using your fingers.
10. Bake Topping: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is cooked through and lightly golden brown.
11. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to fully set the bars.
12. Cut and Serve: Use the baking paper overhang to lift the slice out of the tin. Cut into squares once completely chilled to prevent the bars from falling apart.

Notes

• Note 1: Use all-purpose or plain flour for the base; alternatives like whole wheat will change texture.
• Note 2: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture; instant oats are not recommended.
• Note 3: Crunchy peanut butter is preferred for texture contrast, but smooth can be used.
• Note 4: Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener and helps soften the peanut butter layer.

Keywords: Peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, baked bars, peanut butter snack, homemade bars, chewy bars, crunchy peanut butter dessert