Soft snack bars with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate
Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12
12 bars
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Soft snack bars with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate
A soft baked bar with oats, peanut butter, and optional chocolate that works for breakfast, snacks, or casual dessert.
15m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
12
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Bars like this stay useful because they bridge multiple parts of the day. They are sturdy enough for snacks and lunchboxes, but still sweet enough to satisfy a dessert impulse.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch pan.
- 2
Mix the peanut butter, butter, sugar, and egg.
- 3
Fold in the oats and flour, then the chocolate chips if using.
- 4
Press into the pan and bake until just set and lightly golden.
- 5
Cool before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the vanilla matters
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
- Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
- Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not overbake if you want the bars to stay soft.
A sprinkle of flaky salt on top is good if you want more contrast.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bar) · 12 servings
Calories220
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates23g
Fat13g
Fiber2g
Sugar11g
Sodium120mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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