Dessert

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

ByElena Hart November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars combine a rich, chewy base with a luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy any peanut butter lover’s cravings.

Three square dessert bars are stacked on a white plate, each bar showing two layers: a thick, light beige, crumbly bottom layer with visible oat pieces, and a smooth, medium brown top layer of what looks like chocolate. The top bar has a bite taken out, revealing the texture of the bottom layer more clearly. The background is softly blurred, with a white marbled surface subtly visible under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 whole large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt
12 oz milk chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350º F.
Step 2: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, both sugars, and 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix until just combined.
Step 5: Press the batter evenly into a 13×9 inch baking pan.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.

Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 8: To prepare the topping, place the chocolate chips and remaining 1 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 60 seconds, then stir until smooth and completely melted.
Step 9: Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the bars and spread into an even layer.

Step 10: Allow the topping to set before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier texture, add chopped peanuts or walnuts into the batter before baking.
Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer topping.

If you prefer a fluffier bar, substitute old fashioned oats with quick oats, though the texture will be softer.
Chill the bars after adding the topping to help the chocolate set faster.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a dessert made of two layers, cut into square pieces in a clear glass dish with a white marbled surface underneath. The bottom layer is thick, rough-textured, and pale yellow, looking like a crumbly cookie or oat base. The top layer is smooth, thick, and glossy chocolate brown, covering the entire surface and forming clean, straight lines dividing the pieces. One square is missing, revealing the cross-section of the two layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may affect the texture and consistency of the bars. It’s thicker and less sweet, so the bars might be denser and have a slightly different flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This will keep the bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.