Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

While you can use natural peanut butter, the bars may have a different texture. Commercial peanut butters like Jif or Skippy work best because they create a more stable filling. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it's well-stirred and consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling to help it set.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and a set top. The center might still look slightly soft when you remove the pan from the oven, but it will continue to firm up as it cools. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars, so it's better to underbake slightly if you're unsure.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a large 15x10-inch baking sheet. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

My bars seem too crumbly when cutting. What did I do wrong?

The most common reason for crumbly bars is not letting them cool completely before cutting. For best results, allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting. Also, make sure you firmly pressed the bottom layer before baking.

Peanut Butter Passion Bars Recipe

Description

Peanut Butter Passion Bars are decadent dessert bars featuring a chewy oat and brown sugar crust, a luscious peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk center, and a topping of chocolate chips for irresistible flavor. Perfect for any gathering or as a homemade treat, these bars are simple to make and deliver a rich, satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients & Fillings
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

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Instructions

Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set the dish aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir until well blended.
Incorporate butter: Add the cubed, room-temperature butter to the dry mixture. Using your hands, mix until the dough becomes crumbly and the butter is evenly distributed.
Form the base: Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Prepare peanut butter filling: In a separate medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated.
Add filling and chocolate chips: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the oat crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter layer for extra chocolatey goodness.
Add crumb topping: Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups oat mixture over the chocolate chips, and gently press it down to secure the topping.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For easier slicing, chill the bars after they cool to room temperature.
Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
You can substitute dark or milk chocolate chips if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 420
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 27mg

Description

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

Wet Ingredients & Fillings

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition