Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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Warm, gooey, and packed with flavor, these Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who craves a chewy bite with just the right amount of sweetness. The texture is a perfect balance—soft and fudgy in the center with a lightly crisped top. Chocolate chips melt into the creamy peanut butter base, creating delightful pockets of decadence in every bite. Whether you’re making a quick dessert or prepping snacks for the week, these bars come together with ease using pantry staples.

This is one of those rare recipes that hits all the right notes: satisfying, wholesome, and incredibly easy to whip up. No mixer required, no complicated steps—just stir, bake, and enjoy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep going back to for lunchbox treats, potluck hits, or a sweet after-dinner bite. Trust us, once you’ve had one, you’ll want to keep a stash of these on hand at all times.

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Ingredients for this Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, your choice)
• 2/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 cup coconut oil or melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This helps the bars lift out easily once baked.

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Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The warmth of the melted coconut oil helps everything blend together easily.

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Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until you get a thick, well-mixed dough. It should be sticky and slightly thick, but easy to spread with a spatula.

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Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, save a few chips to sprinkle on top for that bakery-style finish.

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Step 5: Transfer to Baking Pan

Spoon the dough into your prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure to press firmly into the corners for uniform bars. Add any extra chocolate chips on top now, if desired.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake!

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Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes cutting much easier. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment and cut into squares or rectangles as preferred.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy!
• Refrigerator: Extend their freshness by refrigerating for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating to soften.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individually or layer between parchment in a container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds for a warm treat.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – makes about 12 bars)

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact brands and substitutions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.

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2. What can I use instead of peanut butter?

You can substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

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3. Are these bars vegan?

They can be! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

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4. Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Toss in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for fun variations.

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5. What if I don’t have oat flour?

You can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.

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6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may increase slightly—watch for golden edges and a set center.

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7. How do I make these firmer?

Bake them for a few extra minutes and chill in the fridge for a firmer texture.

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8. Are these suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?

Definitely! They’re nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

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