Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Craving a nostalgic treat that brings back sweet memories of simpler times? These Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars are just the thing. Made with pantry staples and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, this classic dessert is a timeless favorite that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a homemade snack for the week, this recipe delivers every time.

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: Dessert / SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
• Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
• Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• While the bars are still warm, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let them melt slightly, then gently spread into a thin layer. You can also swirl in additional peanut butter on top for extra richness.
• Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slightly warmed bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Add a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for a Reese’s-inspired twist.
• Peanut Butter Lovers’ Platter: Pair with peanut butter cookies and peanut butter cups for themed dessert trays at parties or potlucks.
• After-School Snack: Cut into smaller squares for a protein-packed, kid-friendly treat.

Savings Suggestions

• Use Store Brands: Save on cost without compromising taste by choosing store-brand peanut butter, oats, and flour.
• Buy in Bulk: Purchase ingredients like rolled oats, peanut butter, and sugar in bulk to lower cost per serving.
• Substitute Smartly: No brown sugar? Mix granulated sugar with a little molasses. Out of butter? Use margarine or a butter substitute in a pinch.
• Freeze Extras: Make a double batch and freeze half—this reduces prep time and saves money in the long run.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture and extra nuttiness, which many people love in this recipe.

Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 10 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

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strong>Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to keep the texture similar.

Q: Are these peanut butter bars no-bake?
A: No, this is a baked recipe that gives the bars a firmer, cookie-like consistency. However, some no-bake variations exist if you prefer a quicker version.

Q: What’s the best peanut butter to use?
A: Regular creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind that separates) works best for a smooth, uniform texture.