Peanut Butter Passion Bars

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, then get ready to indulge in a truly irresistible treat – Peanut Butter Passion Bars! These delectable bars are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and creamy, making them a surefire hit with anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special occasion, these bars are sure to satisfy your peanut butter cravings in the most delicious way possible. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible Peanut Butter Passion Bars!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup butter, cubed, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the cubed butter and peanut butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter and peanut butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Press the Crust Into the Baking Dish

1. Transfer about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

1. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the sweetened condensed milk layer.
2. Crumble the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the chocolate chips, covering them evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish.
2. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

Cook’s Notes:

• Be sure to use old-fashioned oats in this recipe for the best texture. Quick oats or instant oats may result in a different texture.
• Feel free to customize these bars by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut to the crumb mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• For a dairy-free version of these bars, you can use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture and crunch in these bars. Simply substitute an equal amount of crunchy peanut butter for the creamy peanut butter called for in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer. You can also use a combination of different types of chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly and low-carb version of these bars, you can use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour, and a sugar-free sweetener in place of brown sugar. Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar, and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. Be sure to adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly to maintain the proper consistency of the crust and filling.

With their irresistible combination of buttery oat crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate topping, these Peanut Butter Passion Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet treat for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense peanut butter cravings. So, give the recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with these indulgent bars!