Introduction
Imagine a treat that perfectly combines the hearty chew of an oatmeal cookie with the irresistible duo of chocolate and peanut butter. These bars feature a decadent layered filling that sets them apart. You’ll love how the creamy peanut butter and cream cheese layer melts into the chocolate chips for a truly luxurious bite.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups salted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 11.5 oz. bag milk chocolate chips
- 4 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted salted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Mix in 1 large egg and the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the old fashioned oats and baking powder to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be thick.
- Press slightly more than half of this oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add the second large egg and beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed oat crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the entire bag of milk chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it evenly over the top of the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The bars will still look a bit soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack, then use the parchment paper to lift them out before cutting into 9 squares.
Variations
- For a firmer, more cookie-like base, bake the bottom oat crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling layers.
- Create a marbled effect by gently swirling a tablespoon of peanut butter into the cream cheese layer before adding the chocolate chips.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- For cleaner slices, chill the fully cooled bars in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to prevent a lumpy filling.
- Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to firmly press the bottom crust for an even, compact layer.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added, to keep the bars tender.
- For perfect squares, clean your knife with a hot, damp cloth between each cut.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a warm, gooey treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter?
We don’t recommend it for this recipe. The stable consistency of conventional creamy peanut butter (without oil separation) is key to the texture of the dough and filling.
My cream cheese layer was lumpy. What happened?
This is almost always because the cream cheese was too cold. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing.
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned?
Yes, but the texture will be less chewy and more uniform. The bars may also be slightly drier.
Why are my bars crumbly when I cut them?
This usually means they were cut before being completely cooled. Letting them cool fully (or even chilling them) allows the layers to set properly.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Is it necessary to use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan?
Yes, using the recommended size ensures the bars are the proper thickness. A larger pan will result in thinner bars that may overbake or dry out.