An old-fashioned treat that is still popular in lunchrooms today! Sweet chocolate, salty peanut butter, and crunchy oats is what make my chocolate, peanut butter, and oat bars so delicious. This is a recipe that has been delighting children in cafeterias all over the country for decades. I remember them when I was in school, and my kids loved them as well. They were always a special treat, and now I enjoy making these tasty no-bake bars at home. Rich and hearty, and full of the flavor combination that has been a favorite for years. Only six simple ingredients and less than fifteen minutes of cooking time and these bars are finished- except for an important few hours in the fridge. That’s the hard part- waiting for this sweet and salty treat to chill and be ready for slicing. So, bring back a fond memory with this old-fashioned but still popular sweet.
Belle’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
1 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
Grease a 9×9 inch square pan. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the other half for the topping. Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat crust in the pan. Carefully spread evenly over the top. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing in gently. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.
