Description
These Bake Sale Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a delightful combination of rich peanut butter, hearty oats, and a luscious chocolate cocoa icing. Perfect for any sweet craving, these bars bring a chewy, buttery base topped with a creamy peanut butter layer and finished off with a smooth chocolate glaze. Easy to make and ideal for bake sales, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces dark or milk chocolate, melted
- 3 tablespoons water (plus 1–2 tablespoons additional if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 13×18 inch half sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, 1 cup peanut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until just combined, forming a thick dough.
- Press and Bake the Base: Evenly press or spread the dough into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth and level layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly soft to the touch. Remove from oven.
- Add Peanut Butter Layer and Cool: While the base is warm, dollop 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter over the bars. Gently spread the peanut butter into an even layer over the surface. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the cooling.
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of water until smooth and well combined. Stir in the melted chocolate. If the icing is too thick, thin it with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Ice and Set: Spread the prepared chocolate icing evenly over the peanut butter layer. Let the bars set at room temperature for about an hour or until the icing firms up before slicing and serving. Enjoy your bars as a delicious treat or party favorite.
Notes
- You can substitute natural peanut butter but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats and flour blend.
- Chilling the bars before icing helps achieve a neater spread of the chocolate layer.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Feel free to use dark or milk chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, Oat Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Bake Sale Recipe, Easy Dessert, No-Bake Icing
