Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat! Perfect for any time of the day.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups quick oats Provides the hearty base and chewy texture.
- 1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 cup flour Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Aiding in the rise and texture of the bars.
- 1 cup butter softened, ensures a rich and creamy consistency.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk adds moisture and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter infuses a delicious nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 12 ounces chocolate chips the star ingredient that adds decadence.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional, for an added crunch.
Instructions
Instructions:
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the bars from sticking.
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir until well mixed.
- Step 4: Cream the Butter - In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. This will give your bars a rich flavor and texture.
- Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients - Add the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, and vanilla to the creamed butter. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Step 6: Combine All Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage.
- Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips - Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 8: Bake - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Step 9: Cool and Cut - Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life, up to two weeks.
- For freezing, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.