Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for a deliciously chewy, sweet, and satisfying treat that’s easy enough to whip up anytime, look no further than this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe. Combining classic pantry staples with the irresistible flavors of creamy peanut butter, old-fashioned oats, and a hint of chocolate, these bars are perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever you crave a wholesome snack. You’ll love how simple they are to make, yet how impressive they taste—this is truly a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role, bringing texture, flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. Gather these essentials for a treat that’s both easy and absolutely delightful.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide hearty chewiness and the perfect rustic texture to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Helps hold the bars together, giving them just enough structure without making them dense.
- Baking soda: Adds a touch of lift for a softer, lighter crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and helps create those perfectly golden edges.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, it infuses every bar with sweet, nutty goodness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and a wonderful caramel note, keeping the bars moist.
- Honey or maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars and contributes to their soft, chewy texture.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For a touch of indulgence, these melt into gooey pockets with every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of overhang for easy removal later. If you prefer, you can lightly grease the pan instead. This step ensures your bars come out cleanly and look picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Give everything a quick stir to evenly distribute the leavening and salt—this helps the bars bake up consistently with a lovely, even texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), one large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This is where all the flavor magic happens, so make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bars could be tough. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this stage for little bursts of chocolate throughout.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The aroma of peanut butter and oats will fill your kitchen!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this helps them set for easy slicing. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares or rectangles. If you want a firmer texture, pop the pan in the refrigerator for an hour before slicing. Now your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips or a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top before serving. You can also drizzle a little melted peanut butter or chocolate for a pretty finish that amps up the indulgence factor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a fruity smoothie for a balanced snack or breakfast. They’re also wonderful alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for lunchboxes, stack them and tie with a ribbon for gifting, or serve on a platter layered with parchment for a rustic look at brunch or potlucks. They also make a lovely addition to a homemade snack board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay chewy and fresh, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack all week long.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey treat, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings out the melty chocolate chips and makes the peanut butter aroma even more tempting. They’re just as delicious cold, but there’s something special about enjoying them warm!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they’ll create a softer, less chewy texture. For the classic, hearty bite that makes this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe so good, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats if possible.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy or just want to switch things up, try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor but still work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
It’s easy! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll end up with a delicious gluten-free version of this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe.
Can I add extras like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, or even a handful of flaxseed are all fantastic additions. Just be sure not to overload the batter, so the bars hold together well.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes. This way, everyone can enjoy the magic of your homemade Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe enough—they’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit with family and friends. Give them a try and see for yourself just how irresistible homemade snack bars can be!
Print
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for breakfast or an energy boost throughout the day. Made with wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, these bars combine a chewy texture with rich flavor. Optional mini chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence, while simple prep and baking make this recipe easy for any skill level.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan and dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until all components are fully incorporated and a cohesive batter forms. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Bake the bars: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface turns lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely inside the pan. This helps the bars set properly for easy slicing. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars and serve.
Notes
- For a firmer texture and easier cutting, refrigerate the bars after baking and cooling.
- Add chopped nuts, flaxseed, or dried fruit to the batter for a nutrition boost and flavor variation.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
