Peanut Butter Bars

4.93 from 401 votes

This old fashioned Peanut Butter Bars recipe has a chewy base topped with peanut butter and chocolate glaze. They are perfect for potlucks or parties and can be made in advance or frozen!

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 237kcal

Author: Lauren Allen

Cost: 5

Equipment

9x13 baking pan

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Bars:

3/4 cup butter (170g), room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
1 cup light brown sugar (220g)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (135g), plus more for spreading over baked bars
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (188g)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (170g)

Chocolate Frosting:

1/4 cup butter (57g)
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons milk
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (150g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and peanut butter and mix well.
3/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Combine: Add dry ingredients to creamy mixture. Press firmly into a greased 9x13'' pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 17-21 minutes or until no longer glossy, but just barely set in the center. Do not over-bake; they will harden as they cool. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Spread Peanut Butter: Once cool, spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter over the bars.
Chocolate Frosting: Add butter to a small skillet over medium heat. Once melted, stir in cocoa. Remove from heat and stir im milk, powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth, using electric beaters to get out any lumps, if needed. Spread chocolate frosting over the top of the bars.
1/4 cup butter, 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk, 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Video

Notes

Yield: 24 peanut butter bars. Serving Size: 1 peanut butter bar.

Make Ahead Instructions: Follow the recipe as instructed then cover well and keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Dough can be made one day ahead, stored in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions: Make the homemade peanut butter bar recipe then cover well and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator then place on the counter to bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Recipe Link

Recipe Video