Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
- Perfect Texture: A delightful blend of soft, chewy, and slightly crunchy layers.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great option for lunchboxes or parties.
- Customizable: Can be tailored with different nut butters or additional mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup butter, cubed, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add the butter and mix using your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture, and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat layer in the pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
- Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing down gently.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Add Crunch: Include chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans in the oat mixture or as a topping.
- Healthier Alternative: Substitute some of the butter with coconut oil and use dark chocolate chips for less sweetness.
- Flavor Twist: Try using almond butter or hazelnut spread for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a gooier texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer since quick oats are more processed.
2. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.
3. What kind of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter works best, but you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
4. Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips add a deeper, richer flavor.
5. How can I make these bars less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup and use unsweetened peanut butter.
6. Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually for easy portioning.
7. Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be mixed into the oat layer for added sweetness.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger baking dish or make two separate batches for even cooking.
9. How do I prevent the bars from crumbling when sliced?
Ensure they cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife for clean edges.
10. Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can use coconut sugar or granulated sugar, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Passion Bars are an irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion. Their simple preparation and rich, satisfying flavor make them a staple recipe for your dessert arsenal. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a solo sweet craving, these bars deliver every time. Try them today, and you’ll see why they’re a hit!
Peanut Butter Passion Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Passion Bars are chewy, rich, and indulgent bars made with oats, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips, finished with a buttery crust. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for dessert or snacks, loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup butter, cubed, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture; press the rest into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over the oat base.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the peanut butter layer.
- Crumble reserved oat mixture over the top and gently press.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Let the bars cool completely to ensure clean slicing.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
