Description
These Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously rich and satisfying treat combining creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and candy-coated chocolate buttons baked atop a buttery oatmeal crust. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars offer a delightful balance of chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Topping Dough
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup Butter
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Quick Cooking Oats
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Filling and Topping
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3/4 cup Jif® Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter
- 1 cup Candy Coated Chocolate Buttons
- Nonstick Cooking Spray (as needed for pan)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a large 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or alternatively, use butter or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the bars.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until a dough forms. Carefully reserve 1 cup of this dough to use as the topping later, then firmly press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and 3/4 cup Jif® Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter until the mixture is completely smooth. Spread this peanut butter filling evenly over the dough base in the pan.
- Assemble and Top: Crumble the reserved dough over the peanut butter layer evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of candy coated chocolate buttons evenly across the top for a colorful, sweet finish.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 34 to 36 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This ensures clean cuts and the perfect chewy texture. Enjoy!
Notes
- Quick cooking oats are used here for optimal texture; avoid using instant oats or old-fashioned oats for best results.
- Using candy coated chocolate buttons adds a fun color and sweet crunch, but feel free to substitute with chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, chewy bars, homemade dessert, peanut butter recipe, chocolate buttons, baked bars
