Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewy Bars

These peanut butter chocolate chip chewy bars are a no-fuss, satisfying snack with a dense, sticky texture and a rich, nutty flavor. Made by mixing oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips, then baking until golden, they come out warm and slightly sticky, perfect for slicing into bars. The process involves careful mixing, pressing, and watching for the perfect golden edges.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

8×8 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Spatula or back of a spoon
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups quick oats lightly toasted for extra flavor
1/2 cup peanut butter natural, creamy preferred
1/2 cup chocolate chips dark or semi-sweet, mini chips for more surface area

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and vanilla until smooth and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should look slightly glossy and well-blended.
Add the peanut butter to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, homogeneous base.
In a separate bowl, combine the toasted oats and chocolate chips. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is evenly coated and sticky, feeling slightly thick and cohesive.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly, creating a compact layer that fills the pan completely.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and smell toasted. Listen for a gentle bubbling and watch for a slight crispness around the edges.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This helps them set and prevents crumbling when slicing.
Once cooled, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 evenly sized bars or squares.
Enjoy your chewy bars warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

For extra chewiness, refrigerate the bars for an hour before slicing. Toasting oats beforehand enhances flavor, but it’s optional. Use dairy-free ingredients for a vegan version.