Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter – The star of the show!
1/2 cup honey – Nature’s sweetener that binds it all together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
2 cups rolled oats – The heartiness you need.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) – Because a little chocolate never hurts!
1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
Preheat the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm for baking.
Line the pan. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.
Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add the dry ingredients. Stir in the rolled oats, salt, and mini chocolate chips (if using). Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Spread the mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands—you want them to hold together nicely!
Bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Don’t overbake them; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Cool and cut. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares.
Store or enjoy. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week—or in the fridge for an even chewier bite!
Notes
Lisa’s Real-Life Touch
Feel free to customize these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. If you want to make them even easier, mix everything in one bowl—who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash? And don’t worry if they seem crumbly right out of the oven; they’ll set up perfectly as they cool!
Enjoy your delicious, homemade bars—perfect for lunch boxes, snack time, or even a little late-night treat. Happy baking!
Keywords: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars