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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewy Bars

These chewy bars combine the salty richness of peanut butter with pockets of melting chocolate for a nostalgic, portable treat. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they have a dense, satisfying texture that’s perfect for quick snacks or comforting moments. Their golden edges and chewy center make them both appealing and easy to enjoy on the go.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil for melting
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter natural preferred
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness and binding
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats gluten-free if needed
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet preferred
  • a pinch salt enhances flavor

Equipment

  • 20x20cm (8x8 inch) baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter or coconut oil until it’s shiny and just beginning to bubble, about 2 minutes. This creates a rich, fragrant base.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and glossy, with a warm, nutty aroma filling the air.
  3. Pour the melted butter into the peanut butter mixture and stir until fully incorporated to create a cohesive, rich paste.
  4. Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt to the mixture, stirring until evenly coated and starting to clump together. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture for pockets of melty sweetness.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a prepared 20x20cm (8x8 inch) baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly into an even layer, about 1 inch thick.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown and the aroma of roasted oats and melting chocolate fills the kitchen.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bars set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
  9. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into 8–12 squares, depending on your preferred size.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap individually and freeze for longer storage. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, until warm and fragrant.

Notes

For added crunch, stir in chopped nuts or dried fruit before pressing into the pan. Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly for clean slices. Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.