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Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

These Peanut Butter Bars combine a chewy oat and flour base with a creamy peanut butter layer, topped with a rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for a sweet treat, this recipe yields 30 bars with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

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

Topping

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bars won’t stick during baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick oats, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. 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, forming the base texture for the bars.
  4. Add Eggs and Peanut Butter: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugars, mixing well after each addition. Then add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour and oat mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Spread Dough on Pan: Drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and spread the dough into an even layer across the pan for uniform baking.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set (see notes for doneness details).
  8. Cool and Add Peanut Butter Layer: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Then, dollop the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter by spoonfuls over the top. Let it sit for 1 minute to soften, then spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
  9. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup diced butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder, milk, and salt, bringing the mixture just to a boil, stirring constantly to combine.
  10. Finish Frosting: Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add up to 1 tablespoon of hot water to thin it slightly.
  11. Apply Frosting: Immediately pour the chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer and spread into an even layer to cover the top.
  12. Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to set completely at room temperature. Once set, cut into 30 squares and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the bars; they should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
  • Spraying your hands with non-stick cooking spray before spreading the dough helps prevent sticking and makes spreading easier.
  • If frosting thickens too much before spreading, warm it gently or add a spoonful of hot water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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