Handwritten recipe card for Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars from Shirley Johnson
by: salvagedrecipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars from Shirley Johnson

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 241 kcal

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

  • Add chopped peanuts for crunch.
  • Use chunky peanut butter for extra texture.
  • Substitute butterscotch chips for chocolate chips.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist.
  • Stir in mini marshmallows for a chewy variation.
  • Replace white sugar with all brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for deeper chocolate notes.
  • Top with melted chocolate instead of the peanut-butter frosting.
  • Chill the bars before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Double the recipe and use a 9×13 pan (adjust microwave time).

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 115IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword chocolate, dessert bars, handwritten recipe, microwave baking, peanut butter, quick treat, vintage recipe
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