These bars are perfect for meal prepping, lunchbox treats, potlucks, or anytime you want a dessert that takes less than 15 minutes to assemble. They store beautifully in the fridge and taste even better the next day as the layers settle and firm. The flavors are warm, nutty, chocolaty, and comforting — everything you love about peanut butter and chocolate but with an oatmeal twist. They’re also easy to customize: add chopped nuts, sprinkle sea salt, use chunky peanut butter, or drizzle extra chocolate on top. No matter how you personalize them, these bars are always a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
½ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup peanut butter (extra for chocolate layer)
Instructions
In a saucepan melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
Add oats and stir until fully coated. Remove from heat.
Press half of the oat mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan.
Melt chocolate chips with ¼ cup peanut butter until smooth. Spread over oat layer.
Crumble and gently press remaining oat mixture over the chocolate.
Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.
Slice into bars and serve chilled.