Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Make these peanut butter oatmeal bars in minutes, and with basic pantry ingredients. They are crunchy around the edges, and so soft in the middle. Perfect!

stack of peanut butter oatmeal bars 2022

When my kids were growing up, the best time of the day for me was when they arrived home from school. Like most families, we had a routine. I’d look in their book bags, take care of their lunch boxes, and then we would have something to eat. I wish I had known about these peanut butter oatmeal bars back then, because they are the perfect after-school snack. They’re very quick and super easy.

peanut butter oatmeal bars ingredients 2022

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Ingredients for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

  • Butter: makes these bars so moist and boosts flavor.
  • White Sugar: adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: adds a bit of richness and texture.
  • Vanilla: enhances all the flavors. Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
  • Egg: a necessary binder.
  • Peanut Butter: this is totally a personal choice. Use your favorite brand, creamy or chunky.
  • Oatmeal: make sure to use old fashioned oats and not instant. Do not use rolled oats.
  • Flour: holds all the ingredients together and produces the batter.
  • Baking Soda: puffs up the bars.
  • Salt: helps with moistness and balance.
peanut butter oatmeal batter in bowl 2022

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Variations

I bet if you walked in your kitchen right now you would have everything you need to whip up these tasty bars. This peanut butter oatmeal bars recipe uses very basic ingredients with no surprises. (My kind of recipe!)

  • Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Swap out the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a delicious gluten-free dessert. (Make sure to use oatmeal and peanut butter brands that are specifically labeled “gluten-free.”)
  • It will alter the taste a little bit, but an equal amount of maple syrup or honey can be substituted for the brown sugar.
  • For a lower fat version, replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
  • Instead of sprinkling chocolate chips on top of the baked bars, melt them first in the microwave and drizzle the chocolate.
  • Delicious substitutes for the semi-sweet chocolate chip topping are butterscotch chips or sea salt caramel chips.
batter for peanut butter oatmeal bars 2022

The best thing about these bars is that in the middle, they are moist and chewy, but along the edges, they are crisp and crunchy. Best of both worlds in my opinion! If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these peanut butter oatmeal bars will last for up to three days.

another easy bar recipe

Snickerdoodle Bars

This easy snickerdoodle bars recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and is delicious! Can be doubled to feed a crowd. An easy dessert idea or after-school snack.

square pan not baked peanut butter oatmeal bars 2022

To freeze peanut butter oatmeal bars:

Cut the completely cooled bars into whatever size you prefer. Layer them in between parchment or wax paper. Use a resealable freezer bag or a freezer safe container, and place them in the freezer. Don’t forget to mark the date. The bars will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

square pan baked peanut butter oatmeal bars 2022

More tips:

  • Make sure to prepare your baking dish with cooking spray, or line the bottom with parchment paper. I always use Baker’s Joy and it works beautifully.
  • Spread the peanut butter oatmeal batter to the sides of the pan, in an even layer.
  • Other interesting add-ins: raisins, dried cranberries, peanuts, or shredded coconut,
another easy bar recipe

Cake Mix Cookie Bars

These cake mix cookie bars are rich and delicious, but are so easy and take just a few minutes to assemble. They can be served warm and gooey straight from the oven, or let them cool and serve perfect little bars.

peanut butter oatmeal bars on cooling rack 2022
stack of peanut butter oatmeal bars 2022

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Make these peanut butter oatmeal bars in minutes with basic pantry ingredients. They are crunchy around the edges, and so soft in the middle.
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.88 from 24 votes
Servings: 9 bars
Author: Ann Drake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt omit if you use salted butter

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, egg, and peanut butter.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together oatmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients (the oat mixture) to the butter/sugar mixture, making sure to scrape the sides.
  • Put batter in 8 x 8 prepared pan. Spread to the sides.
  • Bake 25 min.
  • Optional: Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Notes

I prepare my baking pans with Baker’s Joy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 342IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
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If you make this recipe, and love it, please consider stopping back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. It would really help me, and I would appreciate it so much. Thank you…and enjoy the bars!

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Recipe Rating




72 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Whipped up in minutes. This was easy. And an A++ Yummy recipe. Definitely will make again and again. This is going into the Gann recipe box. Love you Ann!

  2. I immediately printed the recipe. You’re right, I have all the ingredients already. I plan to bake them tomorrow. I’ll leave a recipe rating after. They look delicious. Thank you for sharing.
    Karen B.

  3. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says:

    Another great recipe! Thanks, Ann, for sharing with us!

  4. Mickey R. says:

    5 stars
    I added some peanut butter chips & milk chocolate chips to the batter. Yum!!!

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Thank you for the rating!

  5. Paula Gunnell says:

    Would the recipe be okay if I double it? Would a 9×13 inch pan work? How long would I bake it?
    Thank you!

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Hi Paula…yes it works great to double the recipe and bake in a 9×13. Start with 30 minutes and then add time in 5 minute increments until the bars are done. I’m not totally sure how long they will take so this would be the safest method. Enjoy!

  6. I can’t wait to try this! If it is as good as your blueberry coffee cake it will be a hit. Thank you

  7. Jacquelyn says:

    5 stars
    Yummy!!! I will definitely be making this again!! Thanks for the great recipe!

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Thank you for the rating!

  8. 5 stars
    These bars were excellent! So easy to whip together for a quick dessert. Thank you!!

  9. Nuraan Williams says:

    5 stars
    Loved this so much. Definitely going to be a regular in my home. Thank you

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Thank you for your comment and the rating. I really appreciate it!

  10. 5 stars
    Made these bars last week. Love them. The only change I made was after taking them out of the oven, I covered the top with milk chocolate chips, let them melt, them spread it around like a frosting. Delicious!

  11. 5 stars
    Easy and delicious. We enjoyed!!

  12. Sue Ellen Curtis says:

    I made these and they were a HIT!
    Thank you for the recipe.
    Sue Ellen

  13. Deanne Wood says:

    Super good. Thank you for this recipe.

  14. 5 stars
    Look really good! Will definitely be making this

  15. The recipe makes me drool! Yummy, thanks for sharing.

  16. Already have plans to make these for a family get together next week – thanks for sharing the recipe!

  17. Yum! I’ve never made this kind of treat before, but will give it a try. Thanks for sharing!

  18. These sound delicious.

  19. I’ll be making these for my husband. He loves peanut butter!

  20. Denise Iams says:

    Can’t wait to try these. Peanut butter very difficult to come by here.

  21. Tammy K. Watson says:

    5 stars
    Your recipe for the peanut butter oatmeal bars sounds yummy! I’m going to make them tomorrow!! Thank you for the recipe!!

  22. Lisa Cress says:

    I love anything peanut butter and these bars look amazing! Thank you for sharing!

  23. Pamela Smith says:

    These look so yummy! I’ve already printed out the recipe and can’t wait to try them! Love your blog and your style!

  24. My youngest is going to love these. They are addicted to anything with PB in it. Best of all, it’s not going to need a trip to the store.

  25. Carol Kindt says:

    I love it when there’s a recipe using things I already have in the pantry. This peanut butter bar is going to be a hit with my hubby.

  26. Looks delicious and like something my grandkids would like!

  27. Mary Lynn Redmond says:

    These look like a perfect summer treat!

  28. These sound yummy. I will have to try them for a quick tasty out the door breakfast bar.

  29. 5 stars
    I fell in love with peanut butter over 50 years ago! This dessert looks so good!

  30. These look fabulously yummy! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

  31. Terri Herman says:

    Oh these sound perfect! Have a Fellowship meal at church Sunday- think I’ll try it out!

  32. Two of my favorite things – peanut butter and oatmeal. I will be making these.

  33. These look yummy, definitely going to make them.

  34. D. Ingram says:

    My first time on this site and wow I am a winner already. I needed a dessert recipe to take to a July 4th celebration….. This bar recipe will be perfect!!! Can’t wait to make it for the family….. Thank you Ann

  35. Cheryl Foley💓 says:

    These sound delicious. I think I will make them to enjoy with the fireworks 🎆

  36. 5 stars
    Thanks, Ann, for the recipe – my “grands” loved them!

  37. These are a must try this summer! And the best part they are made with ingredients I keep in hand.

  38. Susan McKim says:

    You always share such yummy recipes! Definitely going to try this one!

  39. On my menu to make for the July 4th weekend.

  40. These look delicious, I must try to make soon. I love your recipe posts and have tried many.

  41. Jill Scott says:

    I’m gonna try this recipe!

  42. Kimberly Bruns says:

    These Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars are awesome!! I have made them twice already.

  43. Lori Geiger says:

    5 stars
    Thanks for the gluten free version! These look so yummy!

  44. these sound so yummy and easy!

  45. Betty Wimmer says:

    I just made the bars……delicious…..thanks for sharing the recipe 💐

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Yay! I’m so glad you liked them. XO

  46. Mary Nell says:

    5 stars
    Big hit!! Thank you.

  47. Made these today planning to take them to a party this evening. When my husband tasted them, he told me, “Don’t take them; they probably wouldn’t like them,” as he was licking both his lips and his fingers!

  48. Carol Kindt says:

    5 stars
    Yummmmy, I DO have all the ingredients in my pantry and am going to make these this week for sure. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  49. Always inspired by your simple approach to cooking, decorating and life in general. We all need easy and more relaxed approach to everything these days. Blessings to you for all the ideas you share!

  50. I’ve made these twice now and they were a big hit both times. And so easy too. Thank you!

  51. Oh my, these look amazing! I love anything peanut butter and chewy! Thank you for sharing! :)

  52. Made these for the grands today and they LOVED them! Thank you!

  53. You are a blessing at this time when there is no much negative stuff. May God bless you
    every day and encourage you as you encourage me.

    Hugs,
    Phyllis

  54. Thanks for this recipe. I made a pan yesterday and they are fantastic – they’re chewy and delicious. They taste like they’re good for you due to the oatmeal. Definitely a keeper that I will make again and again.

  55. I just love this blog, and it’s such a treat to see when you’ve posted. Everything is beautiful here.

  56. These oatmeal peanut butter bars were amazing! Thank you for sharing.

  57. My family loves chewy brownies, etc. So I know they will love these oatmeal peanut butter bars. Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try it. Love your blog.

  58. These bars look wonderful. Thanks for the recipe. Can’t wait to try them.

    1. 5 stars
      You just can’t go wrong with peanut butter and oatmeal! Can’t wait to try your recipe Ann.

  59. Those bars look really yummy! I think I may need to add them to my collection!

  60. I bake at least twice a week, I will add this to my rotation and give them a try:)

  61. Can’t wait to try these bars!!! Thanks for sharing!

  62. Thanks for sharing, I’m printing the recipe as I type! Those bars look really yummy.