Elevate your dessert game with our mouthwatering Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars recipe! Packed with rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and wholesome oats, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or planning a party, these bars are sure to impress. Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of decadence! Perfect for chocolate lovers, peanut butter lovers, and anyone in search of an easy, homemade dessert that’s both delicious and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 3/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the chopped peanuts. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for later. To the remaining mixture, add the beaten egg, and mix well. Press this mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter until well combined.
- Layer and Bake: When the crust is ready, remove it from the oven, and evenly pour the peanut butter filling over the partially baked crust. Now, take the reserved 1 1/2 cups of crumb mixture and mix it with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and the chocolate is slightly melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into delicious bars and serve.
FAQs
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture and nuttiness in the filling. - Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips for a personalized twist on the recipe. - How should I store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. - Can I freeze the bars for later?
Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. - Can I add additional mix-ins like coconut or dried fruit?
Of course! Get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite mix-ins.
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