Description
Peanut Butter Bars combine a chewy peanut butter oat cookie base with a smooth layer of creamy peanut butter and a rich chocolate frosting on top. This nostalgic treat is perfect for all ages and makes a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2 cups (283g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (181g) quick oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) packed light-brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 1/4 cup (26g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60g) milk
- 2 pinches salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the softened butter, light-brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Peanut Butter: Mix in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation. Then blend in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter along with the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and oats mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Base Layer: Drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and spread the dough evenly across the sheet to form a uniform layer.
- Bake the Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Add Peanut Butter Layer: Dollop the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter onto the warm base by spoonfuls. Let it sit for 1 minute to soften, then spread evenly over the base to cover completely.
- Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the diced butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder, milk, and salt, bringing the mixture just to a boil.
- Finish Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of hot water to thin it out.
- Frost the Bars: Immediately pour the chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
- Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to set at room temperature before cutting the bars into 30 squares. Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For the best texture, do not overmix the dough when adding the dry ingredients.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; look for golden edges as an indicator.
- If the frosting is too thick to spread easily, add a tablespoon of hot water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Store the bars in a cool place or refrigerate to keep the frosting firm, especially in warmer climates.
- You can substitute quick oats with old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture but expect a slightly different crumb.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
