Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars that are perfect for a snack or dessert. These bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with rich peanut butter, sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, baked to a golden, chewy perfection. Ideal for peanut butter lovers looking for a homemade treat with a satisfying texture and balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 g) all-purpose/plain flour
- 1 cup (80 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp baking/bicarb soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (125 g) butter – melted
- 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanut butter (preferably crunchy)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350°F) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper, allowing some overhang to help with later removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, sea salt, and baking soda. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: Melt the butter and transfer it to a separate bowl. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the melted butter, stirring until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Form Base Layer: Press about three-quarters of the mixture firmly into the lined baking dish to form an even base layer. Reserve the remaining quarter of the mixture for the topping.
- Bake Base Layer: Bake the base layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to partially cook and set it.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth. If the peanut butter is too thick, microwave for a few seconds to soften it for easier spreading.
- Assemble Layers: Remove the base from the oven and immediately spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over it. Then, crumble the reserved oat mixture over the peanut butter layer using your fingers.
- Bake Final Layer: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the topping is cooked through and a light golden brown.
- Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool on the counter for 30 minutes to set.
- Chill and Slice: Place the bars in the fridge and chill for an additional 30 minutes or until completely cool. Remove from the baking dish using the overhanging paper, then cut into squares. Cutting while warm may cause the bars to fall apart.
Notes
- Use all-purpose plain flour; whole wheat or gluten-free flour may alter the texture.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture; quick oats may result in a less chewy bar.
- Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, but smooth peanut butter can also be used if preferred.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor; honey could be a substitute but will slightly change the taste.
- For easier removal, allow the bars to cool completely and chill before slicing.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.