Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

These peanut butter bars are a sweet and satisfying treat that is great for any home baker looking to impress with easy to put together ingredients. The balance of peanut butter and chocolate frosting makes every bite indulgent without feeling too heavy. I often make these when I need a quick dessert for a gathering or just a comforting snack to satisfy a sweet craving.

I first baked these bars on a whim when I had unexpected guests and everyone loved them right away especially kids who begged for seconds

Ingredients

• Butter: at room temperature helps with smooth creaming and a light texture
• Granulated and brown sugar: add sweetness and a bit of moisture giving a nice chew
• Creamy peanut butter: blends evenly into the batter choose natural or classic based on your preference
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: bring a hearty chew and wholesome texture pick a good quality brand with a fresh nutty aroma
• Baking soda: ensures the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb
• Powdered sugar: in the frosting gives a silky smooth finish so make sure it is fresh and lump free
• Cocoa powder: adds rich chocolate flavor select unsweetened or dark cocoa for deeper taste
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors going on so use pure vanilla if possible

Instructions

Build The Batter:

In a large mixing bowl cream together the softened butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air making the bars tender. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract and peanut butter mixing well after each addition to get a smooth creamy mixture.

Mix The Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl combine the all-purpose flour baking soda salt and rolled oats. Stir these together to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt which helps the bars bake evenly.

Combine And Press:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to fold everything until just combined being careful not to overmix which can make the bars tough. Press the batter firmly into a well greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan making sure it is even which helps it bake uniformly.

Bake And Cool:

Place the pan in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 17 to 21 minutes or until the top is no longer glossy but still just slightly soft in the center. Avoid overbaking since the bars will firm up as they cool and you want them chewy not dry. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before adding frosting.

Add Peanut Butter Layer:

Once the bars are fully cooled spread a thin even layer of creamy peanut butter over the surface. This adds moisture and intensifies the peanut flavor making the bars extra rich.

Make And Spread Frosting:

Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat just until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder stirring well to blend. Add milk powdered sugar and vanilla extract then beat the frosting with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and glossy making sure no lumps remain. Spread this chocolate frosting evenly over the peanut butter layer then chill if desired before cutting into squares.

I love how the peanut butter adds a rich smoothness that cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate frosting. This recipe always brings back memories of weekend afternoons in my childhood when homemade treats would fill the house with warmth and everyone gathered around the kitchen table for a fresh baked snack.

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to bring back that perfect texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Try natural peanut butter for a less sweet nuttier flavor that is less processed. You can substitute almond butter but note that the taste will change quite a bit. Use quick oats if needed but the texture will be softer and less chewy. For a dairy-free version swap butter with coconut oil and milk with any plant-based alternative.

Serving Ideas

These bars are fantastic on their own with a glass of milk but also great crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair with fresh fruit or add a sprinkle of sea salt over the frosting for an elevated sweet salty combo. They also make a great packed treat for lunches or picnics.

This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick indulgent treat that never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the bars from becoming too hard?

Be sure not to over-bake; remove them when no longer glossy but still slightly soft in the center. They firm up as they cool.

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, though creamy peanut butter spreads more easily for the topping and results in a smoother texture.

→ What type of cocoa powder works best for the frosting?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended. For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder.

→ How should I store the bars to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness and flavor for several days.

→ Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure rolled oats are certified gluten-free.