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Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

These homemade snack bars are chewy and gooey, packed with rich peanut butter and melted dark chocolate. They’re made by mixing oats, sweeteners, and nut butter, then baking until golden and soft, resulting in a comforting treat with a slightly messy, rustic appearance. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a nostalgic twist.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats preferably toasted for extra flavor
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar adds caramel flavor and chewiness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted for binding
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter creamy, helps bind the mixture
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup adds natural sweetness and moisture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips melty and bittersweet

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x9 inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges hang over for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together until evenly distributed; the mixture should look slightly crumbly.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter together for about 30 seconds, until smooth and fragrant.
  4. Stir the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the melted butter and peanut butter until fully combined; the mixture will look glossy and slightly oily.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined; the mixture will start to stick together.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly, distributing bits of chocolate throughout the mixture for pockets of melty goodness.
  7. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spatula or your fingers to ensure even thickness.
  8. Bake the bars in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the top looks slightly crackly but still soft.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, allowing the bars to set slightly.
  10. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely for at least 30 minutes; this helps them hold their shape better when cutting.
  11. Once cooled, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to make clean cuts, slicing into 12 bars or your preferred size.
  12. Enjoy these chewy, nutty, chocolatey bars as a satisfying snack or a quick dessert—store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars before baking. To make the bars more indulgent, add chopped nuts or dried fruit into the mixture before baking.