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Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

These homemade Peanut Butter Bars feature a soft, chewy cookie base loaded with oats and peanut butter, topped with a creamy peanut butter drizzle and a rich chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, they're an irresistible treat for peanut butter lovers, easy to prepare and ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a delightful snack.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 36 servings

Ingredients

Cookie Base

  • 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks), softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1-1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Peanut Butter Drizzle

  • 1-1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick), softened
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 17x12.25-inch jelly roll pan generously or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. Make Cookie Base: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about the consistency of peanut butter. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until fully combined. Incorporate the vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and oats, mixing just until combined. Stir in the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until blended. Finally, add the flour and mix just until fully incorporated to form the dough.
  3. Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains soft. Remove from the oven and avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
  4. Add Peanut Butter Drizzle: Allow the baked bars to cool for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, warm 1-1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until it reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency. Evenly drizzle the peanut butter over the still-warm cookie base and gently smooth it into an even layer using a table knife or offset spatula. Let the bars cool completely so the peanut butter sets—placing them briefly in the fridge or freezer speeds this up.
  5. Make Frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl or stand mixer, combine the softened butter, whole milk, vanilla extract, salt, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Beat well until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and well-combined.
  6. Frost the Bars: Dollop the frosting onto the cooled bars and spread it evenly using a spatula for a smooth chocolate layer on top.
  7. Cut Bars: To slice the bars cleanly, heat a sharp knife by running it under hot water; dry it thoroughly before cutting. Cut the bars into 36 servings while the frosting is set. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter bars!

Notes

  • Note 1: Using old-fashioned oats adds a pleasant chew and rustic texture to the bars.
  • Note 2: Creamy peanut butter works best to achieve a smooth and easily spreadable consistency in both the base and drizzle.
  • Note 3: A jelly roll pan of 17x12.25 inches is ideal for even baking and thickness of the bars.
  • Note 4: Ensure the butter is softened (not melted) for proper creaming with sugars and achieving the perfect dough texture.
  • For best results, allow bars to chill briefly to fully set the peanut butter drizzle and frosting before cutting.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/peanut-butter-bars-recipe/