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 the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate the Butter:
- 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.
- Prepare the Base Layer:
- 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.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 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.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Topping:
- 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.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Cool and Serve:
- 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!
