Description
Halfway to Heaven Peanut Butter Bars are rich, chewy dessert bars packed with creamy peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips. These bars combine a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making them perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or an indulgent treat any time of day. The bars have a warm peanut butter topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which ensures a light texture for your bars.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Add oats and chocolate chips: Fold in the old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips, adding texture and chocolate bursts to every bite.
- Spread batter: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is just set but still soft.
- Prepare peanut butter topping: While the bars bake, mix together 1/2 cup peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl until smooth, creating a creamy topping.
- Apply topping: Right after removing the hot bars from the oven, immediately spread the peanut butter topping evenly over the warm surface so it sets perfectly.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares to ensure clean slices and the right texture.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use a 9×5-inch loaf pan and increase the baking time slightly to accommodate the depth.
- These bars freeze well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or as an anytime sweet treat.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and less mess during cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
