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
Scale
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
