Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade treat that combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with the chewy goodness of oatmeal. These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting are the epitome of comfort food. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast on-the-go, these bars are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. The best part? They’re easy to make and use simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The oats provide a hearty base, while the creamy peanut butter adds richness. Topped off with a luscious chocolate frosting, these bars are not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, or add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts or dried fruit. Whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes or serving them at a gathering, they always impress!
Your Shopping Guide
When making these bars, it’s essential to have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whole Wheat Flour: 3/4 cup for a wholesome base.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup to balance the texture.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon to help the bars rise.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to enhance flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened for the bars and another 1/2 cup for the frosting.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup for that delicious nutty flavor.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed to add sweetness and moisture.
- Large Egg: 1 to bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons total, 1 for the bars and 1 for the frosting.
- Old Fashioned Oats: 1 cup for texture and heartiness.
- Cocoa Powder: 2/3 cup for a rich chocolate flavor in the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups to sweeten the frosting.
- Milk: 1/3 cup to achieve the right consistency for the frosting.
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you get started, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes will be helpful.
- Electric Mixer: Great for creaming butter and sugar.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for baking the bars.
- Spatula: For spreading the frosting evenly over the bars.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the bars completely before frosting.
Build Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a little butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 5: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the creamy peanut butter, followed by the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to beat until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Stir in the Oats
Fold in the old-fashioned oats with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Step 11: Cut and Serve
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
These bars are delicious as-is, but you can easily customize them for different seasons:
- Spring: Add chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Summer: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Fall: Stir in pumpkin spice or chopped apples for a seasonal flair.
- Winter: Include crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch.
Pro Perspective
As a food lover, I appreciate the balance of flavors in these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting. The combination of healthy oats and rich peanut butter makes them feel indulgent yet nourishing. If you’re looking for a quick snack, consider these bars as a great source of energy. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later!
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze individual bars in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying.
Handy Q&A
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your bars, making them even more interesting.
What can I substitute for butter in the frosting?
You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make the frosting vegan-friendly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the whole wheat and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a blend that works well for baking.
How do I make these bars more chocolatey?
For an extra chocolate kick, consider adding mini chocolate chips into the batter or doubling the cocoa powder in the frosting.
Quick Weeknight Wins
- Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip – A quick and healthy dip for fruits or crackers.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cookies – Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a smaller treat.
That’s a Wrap
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting are not just a treat; they bring joy and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are bound to create moments of happiness. From their chewy texture to the smooth chocolate topping, they are a delightful addition to any dessert table or snack lineup. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious bars! They are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bars bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with a little butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Step 5: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla. Mix in the creamy peanut butter, followed by the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to beat until well combined.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Step 7: Stir in the Oats. Fold in the old-fashioned oats with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 8: Bake the Bars. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 9: Make the Chocolate Frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Step 10: Frost the Bars. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Step 11: Cut and Serve. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Frosting!
Notes
- These bars can be customized with your favorite toppings like nuts or dried fruit.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
