Presto Peanut Bars are a classic no-bake treat, often whipped up quickly for school lunches, bake sales, or family gatherings. Popularized in mid-century kitchens for their speed and simplicity, these bars combine pantry staples like cocoa, oats, and peanut butter into chewy, chocolatey morsels. They're a nostalgic dessert that continues to please today, thanks to their ease of preparation and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pet (evaporated milk)
- 2 cups sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa
- ½ cup margarine
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 3 cups quick oats
Instructions
Step 1: Boil Base
- In a saucepan, combine pet milk, sugar, cocoa, and margarine.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 2: Mix Add-Ins
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts.
Step 3: Add Oats
- Mix in quick oats until well combined.
Step 4: Form Bars
- Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto wax paper or wafers.
- Let cool until firm, about 1 hour.
Tips
- Use butter instead of margarine for richer flavor.
- Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly options.
- Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for quicker setting.
- Try shaping into squares in a parchment-lined pan and cutting after cooling.
Nutrition
Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 37mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 103IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.4mg
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