Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the sweet and salty combination of chocolate and peanut butter. These chewy, rich bars are easy to make and perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing treat. With a soft, oat-packed base and two layers of creamy peanut butter and chocolate frosting, they deliver comfort and indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight treat, these bars come together quickly and store beautifully. Prepare to discover your next go-to dessert bar favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars
These bars are everything a dessert should be: rich, chewy, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how the peanut butter base bakes up perfectly soft with a slight crunch from the oats, while the whipped peanut butter and velvety chocolate frosting add layers of creamy decadence. They’re incredibly easy to make in one pan and are guaranteed to impress guests. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and travel well for school lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup quick oats or rolled oats
Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, whipped
- ½ cup real butter (1 stick)
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 11×15-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the oats until just combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes or refrigerate to speed up the process.
- Whip the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy, then gently spread it over the semi-cooled bars.
- To make the frosting, combine butter, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Dot the whipped peanut butter layer with spoonfuls of chocolate frosting, then gently spread it across the surface.
- Allow the frosting to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars.
Helpful Tips
- Whip the peanut butter before spreading for a lighter texture.
- Make sure bars are cool before adding frosting to prevent melting.
- Use a warm knife to slice the bars cleanly.
- For a crunchier base, use chunky peanut butter and rolled oats.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a decorative touch.
Storage Instructions
Keep the bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container—at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers with parchment paper between for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars: Nutritional Information
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
- Sodium: 256mg
- Potassium: 170mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
- Vitamin A: 260 IU
- Calcium: 27mg
- Iron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters.
- Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but it may change the texture slightly. Stir it well before using.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply scale up with a larger pan or divide the batter into two separate batches.
Can I make these ahead of time? Definitely. These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Can I skip the peanut butter layer? You can, but it adds an extra creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the chocolate frosting.
Are these bars freezer-friendly? Yes, they freeze beautifully. Just layer with parchment and store in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and giving these Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars a try! They’re one of my all-time favorite treats for how simple and flavorful they are. The chewy peanut butter base, topped with creamy layers of whipped peanut butter and chocolate, is a match made in dessert heaven. I truly hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing these bars as I have. Wishing you delightful baking adventures, cozy kitchen moments, and cherished sweet memories. Until next time, happy baking and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
These Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Bars are a chewy, rich dessert bar layered with whipped peanut butter and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and salty treat
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bars:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup quick oats or rolled oats
Chocolate Frosting:
1 cup creamy peanut butter, whipped
½ cup real butter (1 stick)
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 11×15-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the oats until just combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes or refrigerate to speed up the process.
- Whip the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy, then gently spread it over the semi-cooled bars.
- To make the frosting, combine butter, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Dot the whipped peanut butter layer with spoonfuls of chocolate frosting, then gently spread it across the surface.
- Allow the frosting to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use whipped peanut butter for a lighter texture.
Cool bars before frosting to prevent melting.
These bars freeze well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Protein: 7 g