These Peanut Butter Passion Bars are a delightful treat that combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate, all held together by a chewy oat base. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert or a quick snack, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the bars, giving them a soft texture.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats – Adds a chewy texture and a nutty flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Provides a rich sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly while baking.
- 3/4 cup butter, cubed, at room temperature – Adds richness and helps achieve a crumbly texture.
- 3/4 cup peanut butter – The star ingredient, offering creaminess and a nutty flavor.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and creaminess to the peanut butter layer.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, floral note.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides sweet chocolatey bursts that complement the peanut butter.
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 easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Incorporate the Butter:
- Add cubed butter to the dry mixture.
- Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
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 the prepared baking dish to form the base layer. This ensures the bars will hold together after baking.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the pressed oat base, 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 of the chocolate chips and gently press it down 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, 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 helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
Additional Tips:
- For extra richness, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top once baked.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- These bars make for a great dessert or quick snack when you’re craving something sweet.
Enjoy these Peanut Butter Passion Bars – a perfect blend of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolate that will surely become a favorite in your dessert rotation!