Hello peanut butter lovers! I’m Meriem, your recipe-obsessed friend and expert in all things wholesome and delicious. Today’s treat is one I return to time and again: 🥜🌾 Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars.
These bars strike the perfect balance—chewy from the oats, rich from the peanut butter, and gently sweetened with brown sugar. I first made these as a quick post-workout snack, but they quickly became an all-day favorite. They’re portable, customizable, and completely crave-worthy.
If you enjoyed my Healthy Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies or Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, this one will fit perfectly in your snack rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- 🥜 Full of peanut butter flavor – Creamy, nutty, and satisfying.
- 🌾 Hearty texture – Thanks to rolled oats and flour.
- 🧁 Quick & easy to bake – Just 15 minutes of prep.
- 🍫 Chocolate optional – Add chips for a dessert-style bar.
- 🥡 Perfect for meal prep – Keeps well for snacking all week!
What you will need
- 🍪 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) – Forms the structure. Use a 1:1 GF flour to make gluten-free.
- 🥣 1 cup old-fashioned oats (90g) – Brings that chewy texture. Avoid quick oats for best results.
- 🥄 ½ tsp baking soda – Helps lift and soften the bars.
- 🧂 ¼ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g) – Adds richness. Sub with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- 🍬 ½ cup light brown sugar (100g) – Adds moisture and caramel notes.
- 🍬 ½ cup granulated sugar (100g) – Balances sweetness. Can use coconut sugar or all brown sugar.
- 🥜 ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (190g) – The heart of the bars. Natural PB works but may slightly change texture.
- 🥚 1 large egg, room temp – Helps bind. Use a flax egg for vegan bars (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- 🍶 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma.
- 🍫 1 cup chocolate chips (175g, optional) – For those who want a dessert vibe! Use mini chips or chopped dark chocolate.
Equipment Needed
- ✅ Medium and large mixing bowls
- ✅ Hand mixer or whisk
- ✅ Measuring cups and spoons
- ✅ 8×8-inch baking pan
- ✅ Parchment paper
- ✅ Spatula or offset knife
Step-By-Step Guiding
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.
🍫 Tip: Use clips to secure parchment edges.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 cup oats, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
🍫 Tip: Ensure no clumps in the flour for a smooth dough.
Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Peanut Butter, Egg & Vanilla
Mix in ¾ cup peanut butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
🍫 Tip: Scrape down the bowl for even mixing.
Combine & Fold
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips if using.
🍫 Optional tip: Save a handful of chips to press on top for extra chocolatey presentation.
Spread & Bake
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden around the edges.
🍪 Tip: Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking while pressing! And slightly underbake at 20 minutes for extra chewiness; check your oven for accuracy
Cool & Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares.
🍪 Cooling tip: This ensures the bars hold together without crumbling!
Nutritional Information (Per Bar – Approximate)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Topping Suggestions
Make them even more irresistible with:
- Sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking
- Drizzle of melted dark chocolate or peanut butter
- Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans
- Mini marshmallows for a s’mores vibe
- A dusting of cinnamon sugar
- Dried cranberries or raisins folded in
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: For longer freshness, store for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
- Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
What to Serve With
These bars pair perfectly with:
- A cold glass of milk 🥛
- Hot tea or coffee ☕
- Yogurt parfait with fruit 🍓
- Peanut butter banana smoothie 🥤
- A handful of berries for balance 🍇
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- All-Purpose Flour → Gluten-Free Flour: Dietary-friendly structure.
- Old-Fashioned Oats → Quick Oats: Softer texture, similar fiber.
- Peanut Butter → Almond Butter: Nutty, creamy alternative.
- Egg → Flax Egg: Vegan, binding substitute.
- Chocolate Chips → Dried Fruit: Tart or sweet mix-in option.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! It adds a nice texture. Just make sure it’s not overly dry.
Can I make vegan oatmeal bars?
Swap the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and the egg with a flax egg.
How do I keep the oatmeal bars chewy?
Slightly underbake at 20 minutes and store in an airtight container to retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the dough.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–7 minutes.
Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, then cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
These 🥜🌾 Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are the kind of snack that checks all the boxes: soft, satisfying, naturally nutty, and just sweet enough. Whether you’re baking for a lunchbox, a crowd, or yourself—this recipe is a keeper.
Want more chewy goodness? Check out my Sourdough Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins or Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie next. Don’t forget to share your bake with me in the comments or tag #BakingWithMeriem! 💬
