Description
A crowd-pleasing dessert featuring a chewy oatmeal cookie base, a smooth peanut butter layer, and rich chocolate frosting.
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (181g) quick oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) packed light-brown sugar
- 2 cups (283g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (60g) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, diced
- 1/4 cup (26g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 pinches salt (for frosting)
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and generously grease an 18×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, quick oats, baking soda, and salt, whisking until well blended.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in 1 cup of peanut butter and the vanilla extract.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and press it into an even layer (spraying your hands with oil helps prevent sticking).
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges are golden brown, then remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter over the warm base, wait one minute for it to soften, then spread evenly.
- For the frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in cocoa, milk, and salt; bring just to a boil.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth; pour over the bars immediately and spread to the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool completely until the frosting sets before cutting into squares.
Notes
Use standard creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter for the best texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cooling Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 339
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, peanut butter chocolate bars, easy dessert recipe, sheet pan dessert