Decadent Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine wholesome oats with rich peanut butter and a touch of maple syrup for a treat you’ll crave daily. Easy to make and perfectly chewy, they’re ideal for snacking or a sweet breakfast boost.

Ingredients

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Peanut butter (creamy)
• 1/4 cup Maple syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 20 x 20cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, sea salt, and baking soda.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, melt the butter then mix it thoroughly with brown sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Press about ¾ of the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, saving approximately 100g (½ cup) for the topping.
6. Step 6: Bake the base layer for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, blend the peanut butter and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Step 8: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the baked base layer.
9. Step 9: Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the peanut butter layer to create the topping.
10. Step 10: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and set.
11. Step 11: Let the bars cool on your countertop for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for an additional 30 minutes to firm up.
12. Step 12: Once completely cool, cut into squares and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy to add extra texture.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the topping mixture for added flavor and crunch.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based sweetener.
• Press the base layer firmly to ensure bars hold together well after baking.

Storage

Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and let come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, natural peanut butter works fine but may be a bit less smooth. Make sure to stir it well before mixing with maple syrup to combine evenly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

These bars are not gluten-free unless you use certified gluten-free oats and flour. Regular all-purpose flour contains gluten.

Decadent Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 367 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

These Decadent Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine the hearty goodness of rolled oats with creamy peanut butter and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and brown sugar. With a soft baked base, a rich peanut butter layer, and a crumbly oat topping, these bars are perfect for a satisfying snack or dessert that you’ll crave daily.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Peanut butter (creamy)
• 1/4 cup Maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars.
2. Prepare the baking dish: Line a 20 x 20cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper for easy removal and cleanup.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, sea salt, and baking soda thoroughly.
4. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
5. Combine mixtures: Mix the contents of the dry and wet ingredient bowls until you have an even dough.
6. Form the base layer: Press about ¾ of the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish, keeping about 100g (½ cup) of mixture aside for the topping.
7. Bake the base: Bake the base layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set it partially.
8. Prepare peanut butter layer: Blend the peanut butter and maple syrup together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
9. Apply peanut butter layer: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the baked base to create a rich middle layer.
10. Add topping: Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer to form the topping.
11. Bake again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden and set.
12. Cool the bars: Allow the bars to cool on your countertop for 30 minutes to firm up.
13. Chill the bars: Transfer the bars to the fridge for another 30 minutes to get a perfect texture for cutting.
14. Serve: Cut into 16 squares once completely cooled and chilled, then enjoy your delicious peanut butter oatmeal bars.

Notes

• Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth spreadable layer; crunchy peanut butter can be used but will change texture.
• Ensure the butter is melted but not hot when mixing with sugar to avoid cooking the sugar.
• Pressing the base firmly helps it hold together after baking.
• Allowing the bars to cool and chill properly makes cutting easier and results in cleaner squares.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, baked snack bars, peanut butter dessert, easy bar recipe