Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert made right in the microwave, combining buttery oats, chocolate, and rich peanut butter. Quick to prepare and full of nostalgic flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or serving at potlucks. This recipe’s charm lies in its handwritten origins and its blend of hearty ingredients with a luscious peanut butter frosting. It’s a classic mid-century American treat that has stood the test of time for its ease and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter or oleo
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup flour
- ¾ cup quick oats
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Frosting
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2-4 tbsp milk
Instructions
Step 1: Microwave Base
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ¼ cup butter or oleo on HIGH for 1 minute.
- Stir in both sugars, peanut butter, and egg. Mix well.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Add baking soda, salt, vanilla, flour, and oats to the wet mix. Stir until blended.
Step 3: Prepare and Cook
- Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 glass dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Microwave uncovered on 50% power for 5 minutes.
- Then microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes.
- After 30 seconds, rotate the dish ¼ turn and again after 1 minute.
Step 4: Frosting and Serve
- Mix frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread frosting over bars once slightly cooled.
Tips
- Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a twist.
- Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut for texture.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
Nutrition
Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 204mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!