Description
Delightful and nostalgic peanut butter bars reminiscent of childhood lunchroom favorites, perfect for snacks and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped & leveled (282g)
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a half-sheet baking sheet (13″x18″) with baking spray.
- Beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of the peanut butter in a mixer until creamy and light.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, then beat again, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl.
- Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
- Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough into the prepared pan with a spatula.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown around the edges and barely set in the middle. Do not overbake.
- Melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, then drizzle over the top of the bars, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula or knife.
- Let cool completely until the peanut butter has firmed up. This can be sped up by sticking the bars in the fridge.
- Make the chocolate frosting by beating the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
- Spread in an even layer over the cooled bars, then cut into squares.
Notes
For a healthier twist, consider using sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit. Avoid skipping the cooling time for clean edges when cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg