Description
These Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich creaminess of peanut butter with hearty oats and sweet chocolate buttons. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they feature a moist, chewy texture topped with a crunchy candy coating, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup Butter
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oats
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For the Filling
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3/4 cup Jif® Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter
Topping
- 1 cup Candy Coated Chocolate Buttons
Other
- Nonstick Cooking Spray (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Generously coat a large 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, butter, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of brown sugar, 3/4 cup of butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until a dough forms. Reserve 1 cup of this dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create a firm crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 3/4 cup of Jif® Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the dough crust in the baking pan.
- Add Topping: Crumble the reserved 1 cup of dough evenly over the peanut butter layer. Then sprinkle 1 cup of candy-coated chocolate buttons over the top, distributing them evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 34 to 36 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown on top and edges look set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before cutting into squares. Enjoy these chewy, peanut buttery oatmeal bars as a delicious snack or dessert.
Notes
- Quick cooking oats can be substituted with rolled oats for a chewier texture, but the baking time might need slight adjustment.
- For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper before adding the dough.
- You can swap candy-coated chocolate buttons for chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, chewy dessert bars, peanut butter oatmeal bars, chocolate buttons, sweet snack, baked bars
