Peanut Butter Passion Bars

Ingredients:

All-purpose Flour (1 cup) – Provides structure to the bars, helping them maintain shape and offering a soft texture.
Old-fashioned Oats (2 cups) – Adds a chewy texture and a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste and nutritional content.
Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Imparts a rich, molasses-like sweetness and contributes to the moisture and color of the bars.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon) – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly during baking.
Butter (3/4 cup, cubed, at room temperature) – Adds richness, flavor, and contributes to the crumbly texture of the oat mixture.
Peanut Butter (3/4 cup) – The star ingredient that provides a creamy texture and distinct nutty flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can) – Adds sweetness and creaminess to the peanut butter layer.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, floral notes.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Provides sweet chocolatey bursts that complement the peanut butter flavor.

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of bars.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda.
Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Add cubed, room-temperature butter to the dry mixture.
Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs. This texture is crucial for a firm base and topping.

Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumbly oat mixture for the topping.
Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a solid base. This ensures your bars will hold together after baking.

In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Pour this mixture over the pressed oat base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter layer.
Scatter the reserved oat mixture on top and gently press it into the chocolate chips to help it adhere.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.
The baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential as it helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
Once cool, cut into squares or bars.

Additional Tips:

For a variation, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top once baked for extra richness.
Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
These bars can be enjoyed as a dessert or a quick snack.

Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Passion Bars!