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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewy Bars

These chewy bars are made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, honey, and chocolate chips, resulting in a dense, nutty, and chocolatey treat. The process involves mixing, pressing into a pan, and cooling to achieve a soft, sticky final texture with a rich aroma. Perfect for a quick snack or comforting homemade dessert, they require no baking and come together effortlessly.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy preferred
  • 1/2 cup honey acts as binder and sweetener
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 cups rolled oats old-fashioned oats preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark preferred
  • optional chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Line your 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly sticky with a pleasant aroma filling the kitchen.
  3. Add the rolled oats and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and resemble a thick, sticky dough.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional nuts or dried fruit, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using the back of a spatula or your hands, smoothing the top for an even layer. You should hear a slight squish and see a dense, cohesive surface.
  6. Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown and the aroma of toasted oats and chocolate fills the air.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. The mixture will firm up as it cools, making it easier to handle.
  8. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow the bars to cool completely for about 30 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
  9. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block of bars from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Enjoy the rich aroma and chewy texture in every bite!

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the oats or nuts before adding. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like dried cranberries or coconut flakes.