Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These homemade Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and filled with chocolate chips and raisins. They come together in one bowl with simple pantry ingredients, making them an easy treat for afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, or sharing with friends and family.

The creamy peanut butter gives the bars a rich, nutty flavor, while hearty oats add a satisfying texture. Chocolate chips bring just the right amount of sweetness, and raisins add little bursts of chewy goodness throughout every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare

• Made with simple pantry ingredients

• Soft, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor

• Delicious for dessert or an afternoon snack

• Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 17–20 minutes
Total time: 27–30 minutes
Servings: 9–12 bars

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar and peanut butter together for approximately 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the ingredients begin to come together.

5. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring just until a thick, evenly combined dough forms.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips and raisins.

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press it into an even layer using a spatula or clean hands.

8. Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center appears set.

9. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. Cut into 9 large bars or 12 smaller bars and enjoy.

Helpful Tips

Avoid overbaking the bars if you would like them to remain soft and chewy. They may still feel slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool.

For easier slicing, allow the bars to cool completely before removing them from the pan. You can also substitute additional chocolate chips for the raisins if your family prefers an extra-chocolatey version.

How to Store Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, individually wrap the bars and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving.