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–+ servings
These Peanut Butter Bars with oatmeal are a soft and chewy baked cookie dessert topped with an extra layer of peanut butter, and a decadent chocolate frosting. Perfect for parties and potlucks! (Serves a crowd.)

Peanut Butter Bars

These Peanut Butter Bars with oatmeal are a soft and chewy baked cookie dessert topped with an extra layer of peanut butter, and a decadent chocolate frosting. 
Author Amber Brady
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Yields 24 bars

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, (1 stick) softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, gently packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (264 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level)
  • 2 cups (160 g) old fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Frosting:

  • 1 cup (264 g) creamy peanut butter (separate)
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, (1 stick) very soft
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, (I use Hershey's Special Dark)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 12x18-inch jelly roll/rimmed half sheet pan with cooking spray. 
  • For the bars: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Blend well. Add peanut butter and mix thoroughly. Scrape bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in mixer. Mix until incorporated, scraping the bowl as needed.
  • Press dough into the prepared baking pan. Tip: Use a lightly floured rolling pin to evenly distribute and flatten the dough.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. Do NOT over-bake. Let rest 3 minutes. 
  • While bars are still warm, dollop 1 cup of peanut butter over the top. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the peanut butter evenly over the top. Let peanut butter dry/solidify. Can speed up the process by placing the bars in the refrigerator/freezer.
  • To make the frosting: In a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla and milk. Blend until smooth. Dollop, then spread the chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer. Make a bakery swirled design, if desired. Cut and serve bars.

Notes