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
- 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
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