Name: Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup whole wheat flour (can also substitute all-purpose flour, just add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda); 1 cup rolled oats (or quick oats); 1/4 cup whole wheat flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (softened to room temperature); 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1–3 tbsp milk (add 1 tbsp at a time, additional milk may be added until drizzle consistency is reached)

Jump to Recipe

If you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter combined with the hearty texture of oats, then you are absolutely going to adore these Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars. They’re a delightful treat boasting not one, but three layers of peanut butter goodness—from a creamy batter to a crumbly streusel topping and a luscious drizzle that ties it all together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying snack, a quick breakfast, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars bring warmth, comfort, and just the right amount of indulgence in every bite.

Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these bars are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From creamy peanut butter to chewy oats, every component is essential to create these irresistible Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars.

Butter (1/2 cup softened to room temperature): Adds rich creaminess and helps bind the bars together.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Provides subtle sweetness to balance the nutty flavors.
Brown Sugar (1/3 cup packed): Brings a touch of caramel depth and moisture for chewy texture.
Egg (1): Works as a natural binder to hold the bars’ structure.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor and adds a hint of warmth.
Peanut Butter (1/3 cup for batter + 2 tbsp for streusel + 1/4 cup for drizzle): The star ingredient delivering triple layers of creamy, nutty bliss.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup; or substitute whole wheat flour inset salt and baking soda): Provides structure with a tender crumb.
Oats (1 cup, rolled or quick oats): Adds chewy texture and hearty flavor.
Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup for drizzle): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that smooth drizzle consistency.
Milk (1–3 tbsp for drizzle): Adjusts the drizzle to just the right pourable texture.

How to Make Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal. If you prefer, you can also lightly spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This preparation means your bars will bake evenly and come out with perfect edges every time.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Oatmeal Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to ensure your bars have the perfect soft and chewy texture. Then, add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Next, fold in the oats carefully by hand to keep that lovely chewy bite intact. Finally, stir in the flour, mixing just until combined—overmixing can toughen the bars, so a gentle hand is best here.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Streusel

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter to create the streusel topping. Mix until a crumbly texture appears—this topping adds a delightful crunch and contrast to the soft bars underneath. Make sure not to overmix; you want loose crumbs that will sprinkle beautifully across the batter.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the oatmeal batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Then, generously sprinkle the peanut butter streusel over the top, making sure the crumbs are evenly distributed. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the bars turn lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Once done, remove the bars and let them cool for 15 to 30 minutes to set up perfectly.

Step 5: Create and Add the Peanut Butter Drizzle

While the bars are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk in a small bowl, adding milk gradually until you reach a smooth drizzle consistency. Chill the drizzle in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. For a clean, easy drizzle, put it inside a plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle the peanut butter over the bars generously, then give them about 10 minutes to set before slicing.

How to Serve Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top can add texture and aromatic warmth to these bars, enhancing their already rich profile. For an extra pop of color, a few fresh berries on the side provide a lovely visual and taste contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack experience. If you want a lighter balance, fresh fruit or yogurt on the side can complement the peanut butter richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering, or cut into bite-sized squares and place on a decorative platter for parties. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift or grab-and-go snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and delicious, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in a low oven until warmed through. This brings back the gooey peanut butter goodness and fresh-baked feel in no time.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the bars and crumbly topping, making them even more interesting to bite into. Just make sure to adjust mixing times to incorporate the bits evenly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They aren’t inherently gluten-free since they use all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats to make them safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Can I make these bars vegan?

With a few tweaks, yes! Use a vegan butter substitute, flaxseed egg or another egg replacer, and ensure your peanut butter and sugar are vegan-friendly. This will give you a tasty plant-based version of the Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?

For clean slices, make sure the bars are fully cooled and the drizzle has set. Using a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water then dried can help create smooth cuts without too much crumbling.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to these bars?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips complement peanut butter wonderfully and nuts add extra crunch. Just fold them into the batter before baking for an extra flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

These Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are truly a crowd-pleaser filled with layers of flavor and texture that satisfy every peanut butter craving. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do. Trust me, once you experience these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion!

Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

These Triple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously rich treat featuring layers of peanut butter in the batter, streusel topping, and a creamy drizzle. Combining soft oats, peanut butter, and a lightly sweetened streusel, these bars offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and nutty flavor, ideal for a snack or dessert.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Snack, Dessert, Bar
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined and fluffy. Add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, then mix until the batter is well combined and smooth.
Incorporate Oats and Flour: Stir in the oats by hand until evenly incorporated in the batter. Gently fold in the flour by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Make Peanut Butter Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until the mixture reaches a crumbly consistency, avoiding overmixing to keep the streusel light and crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this streusel over the oatmeal bars batter in the pan.
Bake the Bars: Bake the bars in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 25-28 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes before adding the drizzle.
Prepare Peanut Butter Drizzle: While the bars are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and 1 tbsp of milk in a small bowl. Add additional milk 1 tbsp at a time until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable drizzle consistency. Chill the drizzle in the fridge until ready to use.
Drizzle and Serve: For easy icing, transfer the peanut butter drizzle to a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off. Drizzle evenly over the cooled bars. Let the bars set for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Storage: Store any remaining bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.

Notes

You can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour but remember to add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda if doing so.
Use creamy peanut butter for best consistency in all parts of the recipe.
Adjust the milk quantity for the drizzle to achieve your desired consistency.
Be careful not to overmix the flour into the batter to prevent dense bars.
Let bars cool properly before drizzling to avoid melting the drizzle too much.
Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container for freshness up to 5 days.