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If you're in search of a sweet treat that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats, look no further! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make! Let's dive into the recipe and explore some ingredient substitutions along the way.
First, gather the following ingredients:
Oat Layer:
- ¾ cup salted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Now, let's get started:
- Begin by lining an 8×8" square baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they're ready. Set the dish aside for now.
- Next, let's prepare the chocolate peanut butter layer. In a large microwave-safe dish, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate and peanut butter have melted completely and become smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them together in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, set the mixture aside.
- Now, let's move on to the oat layer. In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the light brown sugar and fine sea salt to the saucepan, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the quick-cooking oats to the saucepan. Cook the mixture on low heat for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined.
- It's time to assemble the bars! Press about half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a greased spatula. Reserve the other half of the mixture to sprinkle on top later.
- Gently and slowly pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the bottom oat layer, making sure to cover it entirely. Reserve about 2-3 tablespoons of the chocolate peanut butter mixture for drizzling on top later.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate peanut butter layer. Gently press it into place, ensuring that the entire top is covered with the crumbled oats.
- Drizzle the top of the bars with the remaining chocolate peanut butter mixture, creating a beautiful and enticing pattern.
- Cover the baking dish and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the chocolate to set.
- Before cutting the bars into squares, let them come to room temperature again. This will make them easier to handle and serve.
Now that your Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars are ready, it's time to enjoy them! These bars make a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion.
If you'd like to explore some ingredient substitutions, here are a few options:
Salted Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use Earth Balance vegan butter or ghee. Alternatively, unsalted butter works as well.
Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it will add a slightly stronger molasses taste to the crust. For a refined-sugar-free version, coconut sugar can be a great alternative.
Feel free to experiment and make these bars your own! Whether you enjoy them as a midday pick-me-up or a satisfying after-dinner treat, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars are sure
