Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Chewy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Crafting delectable oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip bars brings pure comfort to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet memories of childhood snacks dance through this simple recipe.

Layers of hearty oats combine with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for an irresistible treat.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought treats every single time.

Mixing these ingredients feels like creating edible magic with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when only a delightful, indulgent bar will do.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Full of Energy and Taste

  • Whip Up a Quick Treat: Enjoy a simple, fast recipe that comes together in just a few steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips in a single bar, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Snacking Delight: Enjoy these bars as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert that works for casual gatherings, school lunches, or weekend relaxation.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chocolate chips for nuts, add dried fruits, or experiment with different nut butters to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Old-Fashioned Oats: A hearty whole grain that provides a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the bars.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that helps bind the bars together.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a moist, dense texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Bring sweet chocolate bursts and delightful richness to the bars.
Sweeteners:
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, tender texture in the bars.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps hold the bars together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes moisture and rich, buttery flavor to the recipe.
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the deeper flavors in the bars.

How to Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

How to Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Make sure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Step 2: Whip Up Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Old-fashioned oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Stir these dry ingredients until they’re well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, start mixing:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Whisk these together until they create a smooth, golden mixture.

Now add:
  • Peanut butter
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until everything looks silky and well combined.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Gently fold everything together until just combined.

Don’t overmix!

Sprinkle in chocolate chips and give a final gentle stir.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan.

Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into squares and get ready to devour these mouthwatering treats!

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture in Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

  • Use precise measuring cups and spoons to ensure the perfect balance of dry and wet ingredients for consistent bar texture.
  • Select natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugars and high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor.
  • Watch bars closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent overcooking, which can make them dry and crumbly.
  • Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make the recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions.

Variations to Customize Your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

  • Gluten-Free Oat Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure certified gluten-free oats for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
  • Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile and slightly lighter taste.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace brown and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Dessert Dunking Station: Create a fun dipping experience by serving these bars with cold milk, caramel sauce, or melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with hot tea or coffee, making them perfect for a relaxed midday break or casual gathering with friends.
  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in a container for outdoor adventures, school lunches, or quick energy-boosting snacks during weekend activities.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Hack: Transform the bars into a decadent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two bar halves for a cool twist.

Storage Tips for Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
  • Place bars in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and softness.
  • Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This will restore their soft, gooey texture and enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

FAQs

  • Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats will change the texture of the bars. Old-fashioned oats provide better structure and chewier texture, so it’s recommended to stick with them for the best results.

  • Is it okay to use natural peanut butter?

Creamy commercial peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter might make the bars too dry or crumbly due to its different oil content. Stick with smooth, standard peanut butter for optimal consistency.

  • How can I make these bars healthier?

Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, reduce sugar slightly, or use dark chocolate chips for added antioxidants. You can also add nuts for extra protein and nutrients.

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Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Homemade oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip bars blend classic comfort with irresistible sweetness. Satisfying layers of rich ingredients create a perfect treat for casual gatherings and afternoon snacks.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

  • 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by positioning the oven rack in the center and heating to 350F (175C).
  2. Create a non-stick surface in a 9×9-inch pan by lining with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the dry ingredients: oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until uniformly combined.
  4. Using a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture appears smooth and glossy.
  5. Incorporate the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, stirring until the texture becomes creamy and consistent.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  7. Delicately integrate the chocolate chips throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
  9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a firm center.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps set the texture and enhances flavor development.
  11. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into square portions and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free allergies.
  • Use gluten-free oats and flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • For lower sugar version, substitute half the brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce total sugar by 25%.
  • Ensure chocolate chips are completely mixed to distribute flavor evenly throughout bars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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