Description
Delicious and chewy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars made with wholesome rolled oats, rich peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for a snack, breakfast on the go, or a satisfyingly sweet treat that combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a healthy oatmeal base.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chips)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully to distribute evenly throughout the batter without melting them.
- Spread batter in pan: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking pan, smoothing the top to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to help them set properly and hold their shape.
Notes
- Use either all-purpose or whole wheat flour based on preference for a slightly nuttier, heartier flavor.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetener option.
- For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make the bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate chip bars, peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked oatmeal bars, easy dessert, homemade bars
