Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Introduction
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious treat that combines the richness of chocolate and the creaminess of peanut butter. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating your family, or simply craving a sweet snack, these bars will surely satisfy your taste buds!
Why Make This Recipe
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a crowd-pleaser! They are simple to prepare and require only a few ingredients that you likely already have at home. Plus, the combination of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate is not only tasty but also gives you a little energy boost. They also make for a great dessert to enjoy on weekends or special occasions with family and friends.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Making these bars is a fun and straightforward process. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have a tasty dessert ready in no time!
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 butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
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Melt the butter and stir it into the dry mixture until everything is well combined.
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Take half of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the greased baking pan. This will be your crust.
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In a small saucepan, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together over low heat. Stir until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and pour over the crust in the pan.
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Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the peanut butter and chocolate layer to create a delicious topping.
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Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
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Take it out and allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
You can serve these bars as a sweet treat after dinner or pack them for a dessert on the go. They are easy to cut into squares and perfect for sharing!
How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them colder, you can keep them in the fridge.
Tips to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Make sure to press the crust down firmly to keep it from crumbling when you cut the bars.
- For an extra touch, drizzle some additional melted chocolate or peanut butter on top before serving.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
Variation
You can tweak this recipe by adding some vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different nut flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture may be slightly different, and they may take a little longer to bake.
2. Can I freeze these chocolate peanut butter bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container.
3. What can I serve with these bars?
These bars are great on their own! However, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk for a delicious treat.