Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars – Craving a sweet treat. That won’t leave you with too many leftovers. These Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars. Are the perfect solution. Combining the rich. Creamy texture of peanut butter. With a delightful chocolate frosting. This recipe boasts main ingredients. Like brown sugar, oats, and all-purpose flour. Promising a deliciously satisfying experience. With every bite.
The first time I made these peanut butter bars. It was on a quiet. Lazy Sunday afternoon. I wanted something sweet. But didn’t want the temptation of having too many treats lying around. As the aroma of baking peanut butter filled the kitchen. It drew my husband. And child to the kitchen. Like bees to honey. Watching their eyes light up at the first bite. And seeing the bars disappear in no time. Was all the confirmation I needed. That this recipe was a keeper. It’s become our little tradition. A sweet secret. Shared between bites and smiles.
What makes this Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars truly special?
What sets these Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars apart. Is their uncanny ability. To deliver the perfect balance of indulgence. And portion control. Making them an ideal treat. For smaller households. Or those moments when you crave something sweet. But don’t want leftovers tempting you for days. They’re not only quick. And easy to whip up in about 30 minutes. But also incredibly versatile. Serving as a delightful dessert for a family night. A charming addition to a small gathering. Or a luxurious personal treat. The blend of flavors and textures. From the creamy peanut butter. To the rich chocolate frosting. And the hint of oats. Ensures a satisfying experience in every bite.
What You Need To Make This Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars Recipe?
Brown Sugar & Sugar: These sweethearts team up. To give our bars a depth of flavor. That’s as rich. And comforting as a warm hug. Brown sugar adds a touch of caramel. Making every bite a little more special.
Salted Butter: This is where the magic starts. Butter not only makes everything better. But also balances the sweetness. With its salty whispers. Creating a perfect harmony.
Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of our bars. Creamy. Rich, and utterly satisfying. Peanut butter is what dreams are made of. It’s the reason these bars. Are so irresistible.
Egg & Vanilla: The egg. Keeps everything together. Like the best kind of friend. While vanilla adds a hint of sweetness and warmth. Making the bars feel like home.
Oats & Flour: Oats bring a chewy texture to the table. Adding a bit of heartiness. While flour is the stage. Where all our ingredients shine together.
A Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch. Elevates all the flavors. Making the sweet taste sweeter. And every bite. More compelling.
Chocolate Frosting: The final flourish. This frosting is rich. Smooth, and the perfect way. To top off our delightful bars. Adding a layer of chocolatey happiness.
Steps To Make Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven. To a cozy 350 degrees F. Lightly caress your 9 x 7 baking pan. With a bit of grease. To ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: In a bowl. Whisk the butter and sugars together. Until they’re flirting shamelessly. Becoming one creamy mixture.
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Step 3: Gently fold in the beaten egg. 1/4 cup of peanut butter, and vanilla. Blending them together. With love and care.
Step 4: Introduce the oats. Flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt into the mix. Creating a harmony of flavors. And textures.
Step 5: Pour this batter of dreams into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a tender touch. And let it bake for 15 minutes.
Step 6: As soon as it’s out of the oven. Dot the surface with teaspoons of the remaining peanut butter. Watching it melt seductively over the warm bars.
Step 7: Once the peanut butter has softened. Spread it gently across the top. And let the bars cool down. Anticipating the deliciousness to come.
Step 8: For the grand finale. Whisk together the frosting ingredients until smooth. And cloak the cooled bars with this chocolatey bliss.
Tip:
After spreading the chocolate frosting over your cooled peanut butter bars. Here’s a little secret. To elevate them from good. To unforgettable. Patience. Let the bars rest. And set it in the fridge. For at least an hour before slicing. This not only allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. But also ensures that the frosting sets perfectly. Creating a smooth. Firm layer on top. When you slice into the bars. After they’ve had time to chill. You’ll notice how each layer. Comes together in a symphony of textures. And tastes. The wait might be a challenge. But it turns a great treat. Into a divine experience. Making each bite worth savoring.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s well stirred. Before using.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?
You can use coconut oil. Or any vegan butter substitute. For a dairy-free version.
Can I freeze these peanut butter bars?
Once cooled. Slice them into bars. And freeze them on a baking sheet. Before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Enjoy them whenever the craving hits!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 c plus 2 tablespoons peanut butter divided
- 1 tablespoon beaten egg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 c plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 c old-fashioned oats
Chocolate Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 3/4 c powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). And lightly grease a 9 x 7-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl. Mix together the butter and both sugars. Until creamy.
- Stir in the beaten egg, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Until well combined.
- Mix in the oats. Flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Until a dough forms.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. And bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. And immediately drop teaspoons of the remaining peanut butter. Over the hot bars. Wait a bit for it to melt. Then spread it over the bars.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting. Beat together the butter. Milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread it over the cooled bars.
- Enjoy your homemade peanut butter bars!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
