I cannot stand the texture of peanut butter and its ability to glue to gums and teeth. The idea of grabbing a spoon of peanut butter and licking it leaves me paralyzed with terror. These peanut bars? Seriously addictive. In her original post, Lauren called them “World’s Best Peanut Butter Bars.” I have not tried that many – full disclosure, this is my second – so I share the recipe with you, and if you are a peanut butter bar connoisseur, let me know what you think.
PEANUT BUTTER BARS
(from Tastes Better from Scratch)
for the bars:
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (plus more for spreading over baked bars)
2 + 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 + 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
for the chocolate frosting:
1/4 cup butter
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 + 1/2 Tablespoons milk
1 + 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter with both types of sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and peanut butter and mix well.
In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to creamy mixture.
Press firmly into a greased 9×13” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 17-20 minutes. It will look just barely set in the center, and will harden as it cools. Allow to cool completely, then spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the bars.
To make the chocolate frosting: Add butter to a small skillet over medium heat. Once melted, stir in cocoa. Remove from heat and add milk, powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth, using electric beaters to get out any lumps, if needed. .
Spread chocolate frosting over the top of the bars. Cut into squares once the topping is fully set. Using a knife moistened with very hot water from the faucet helps to get neat slices.
ENJOY!
to print the recipe, click here
Comments: These bars were donated, but I “sampled” a little of the trimmings. It’s a good thing I had planned to donate them, because just like a certain cauliflower of my recent past, portion control with this baby would require Herculean efforts. If you make it, consider cutting in even smaller squares if you can, because they are rich. Decadent. I love the inclusion of oats in the base. I am thinking of incorporating oats in sugar cookies in the near future.
ONE YEAR AGO: Kansas Sunflower Seed and Black Walnut Macarons
TWO YEARS AGO: Curry Turmeric Sourdough
THREE YEARS AGO: Black Olive Tapenade and Deviled Eggs
FOUR YEARS AGO: Blueberry Crumble Coffee Cake
FIVE YEARS AGO: Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Bundt Cake
SIX YEAR AGO: Quinoa Salad with Red Grapes and Avocado
SEVEN YEARS AGO: Strawberry Coffee Cake
EIGHT YEARS AGO: Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
NINE YEARS AGO: Mascarpone Brownies
TEN YEARS AGO: Salmon Tacos
ELEVEN YEARS AGO: Cinnamon Turban Bread
TWELVE YEARS AGO: Summertime Gratin
Very tasty!!!
Personally, I like nothing more than grabbing a spoon and a jar of good quality peanut or not butter and digging in…good to know I wouldn’t have to share 😃😃
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he he he… vive la diference!
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😄😄
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As much as I LOVE peanut butter, I will have to make these! And a spoon full of peanut butter is my idea of heaven!
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I hope you make it!
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Yes, yes and yes! I love peanut butter in any and everything. I’m on the Keto eating plan now, so won’t be able to indulge, but will make soon and gift to a few friends. Thanks!
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I think baking gifts is THE best type of baking! Good luck with your keto, I am sure it takes a lot of willpower! But where there is a will, there is a way!
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They look amazing Sally! As usual. I have HUGE peanut butter/chocolate fans in my house. I’m going to try them. And I’ll post a picture in the FB GBBO group site. Thanks as always!
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WILL LOVE IF YOU DO!!!!!
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Those look amazing! They look so crispy and sliced perfectly!
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yes, a hot knife helps in that too…
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Looks/Sounds delicious. I love peanut butter; will definitely try! But what’s “old-fashioned rolled oats”?
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not quick-cooking, or instant-cooking. THe good old stuff, thick and hearty
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