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