Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut butter, oats, brown sugar, butter, and chocolate—these small batch peanut butter bars are cozy, quick, and made for one or two (or just you).

this Recipe

So here’s what actually happened.

It was one of those late nights where I should’ve just gone to bed. Like, I’d already brushed my teeth. I had water on the nightstand. I even turned off the lights, which in my world is a pretty serious sign of commitment.

But then… you know that whispery voice? The one that floats into your brain like, “Hey. Peanut butter would be really good right now.” That voice.

And yeah, I could’ve just eaten a spoonful and called it a night. But my brain—bless its chaotic heart—thought, what if I just made something? Just a little. Just enough.

So I threw on a hoodie, padded back to the kitchen, and made these small batch peanut butter bars. I didn’t measure perfectly. The egg may have been slightly over-beaten. The frosting was kinda lumpy because I rushed it. But y’know what? They were perfect. Like… weirdly perfect. In that “I didn’t even know I needed this” kind of way.

And now I make them every time I want to feel a little better. Or cozy. Or like I have something figured out. Even if I don’t.

Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars Recipe?

So, first off, let’s agree on something: not every dessert needs to be a project. Some days you just want something you can throw together without second-guessing your life choices. Something that doesn’t require dragging out the mixer, or turning your kitchen into a war zone.

These small batch peanut butter bars? They’re the snack equivalent of a soft hoodie. Reliable. Unfussy. And so satisfying. They’re chewy but soft. Sweet but not cloying. The oats give a little texture, the chocolate frosting gives you a reason to lick the knife (you will), and the small batch size means you’re not stuck with dessert for the next five days. Unless you want to be.

Also—and this matters—they feel homemade. Not like something from a box. Like something your mom might’ve baked if she had a little time and a whole lot of peanut butter to use up. There’s comfort in that. A kind of edible nostalgia.

Ingredient Notes:

This isn’t one of those recipes that asks for cardamom or almond flour or whatever else is trending this week. We’re keeping it honest and familiar here.

• Peanut Butter: I use creamy, usually the store brand because I’m not fancy. But if you love chunky, go for it. Just know the texture will be slightly different—more rustic, if we’re being generous.

• Brown Sugar + White Sugar: Why both? I don’t know, it just tastes better. The brown sugar adds a little depth, and the white sugar gives you that classic sweetness. I’ve tried it with just one and… meh. Use both.

• Salted Butter: Salted is what I have on hand 90% of the time. I think it balances the sweet and gives you that little snap of flavor.

• Egg: You only need a tablespoon. I know—it’s annoying. You could double the recipe and use the whole egg, but then it’s not a small batch, is it?

• Oats: Old-fashioned oats work best. Not instant. Not steel-cut. The regular ones. They add just the right amount of chew and stop the bars from being too cakey.

• Flour + Baking Soda: Just your basics. These hold it together and give the bars some lift so they don’t turn into peanut butter bricks. (Been there.)

• Frosting: I always make the quick one listed below. No melting. Just mix. I wing it half the time and it still works. And if it doesn’t? Call it rustic and eat it anyway.

How To Make Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars?

Step 1: Get the oven going.
Preheat to 350°F. Grease a small pan. I use 9×7-ish, but honestly, anything close works. Don’t overthink it. Line it with parchment if you hate cleanup. (I do.)

Step 2: Cream it up.
Mix the butter with both sugars. It doesn’t have to be fluffy fluffy, just smooth and creamy. Use a spoon. A fork. Your hand in a pinch. (Kidding… kind of.)

Step 3: Stir in the good stuff.
Add the beaten egg, vanilla, and ½ cup peanut butter. It’ll look like peanut butter cookie dough. That’s how you know you’re on track.

Step 4: Dry ingredients in.
Toss in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix it up until it comes together. If it’s too dry, add a little more peanut butter. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a tiny bit more flour. No stress.

Step 5: Bake time.
Press the dough into the pan. Bake for about 15 minutes. Maybe 14, maybe 16—check around the edges for golden brown. The middle should look set but soft.

Step 6: That melty peanut butter top.
Drop teaspoons of the remaining peanut butter over the hot bars. Wait 30 seconds, then gently spread. It’s basically self-frosting. If it tears the top of the bars a bit? So what. Still tastes great.

Step 7: Let ’em cool.
You could frost them right away, but then the frosting turns into a river. Which is messy. And weirdly satisfying. But maybe not what you want today.

Step 8: Make the frosting.
Mix everything in a bowl until smooth. I never measure exactly and somehow it always works. If it’s too thick, add a drop of milk. If it’s too thin, more sugar. You get the idea.

Step 9: Frost + Slice.
Spread it on thick. Slice into squares. Eat the crumbs straight from the pan. Or don’t slice them at all. Just grab a fork and pretend the pan is a bowl. I won’t judge.

Storage Options:

They’ll keep for 2–3 days in an airtight container. Longer in the fridge, but they do get a little firm. I usually reheat mine for 10 seconds in the microwave. That soft-middle, melty-top vibe? Yeah. Worth it.

Variations and Substitutions:

• No oats? Skip ’em. The texture will be smoother, a little more cookie bar than chewy bar.

• Craving crunch? Add crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts to the dough. That salty pop? So good.

• Too much egg? Don’t toss it—make a second batch tomorrow. You’ll want to anyway.

• No frosting? Just leave it off. Or top with chocolate chips before baking. It’s not illegal.

• Going dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and almond milk in the frosting. Works fine.

What to Serve with Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars?

• Coffee. Hot, iced, or however you take it. Strong enough to balance the sweet.

• Cold milk. Always and forever.

• Berries. For balance. For color. For pretending you’re a responsible adult.

• A rainy day. Okay, not technically a pairing. But vibes, you know?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I double this?
Yep! Just use an 8×8 pan. You’ll get more squares, but it still won’t feel like “too much.” (Is there such a thing?)

Natural peanut butter—yay or nay?
You can, but I’ll be honest—it’s a little more finicky. It doesn’t melt as smoothly, and sometimes it separates. I usually stick to the classic stuff.

These Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars are like your favorite playlist: reliable, familiar, and somehow always just what you needed. They’re quick. They’re cozy. They don’t ask for much. And they make you feel like maybe, just maybe, things are okay—even if your socks don’t match and the mail’s still piled on the table.

So go ahead—make a batch. Eat one warm. Text your best friend a pic.
And if you finish them all before anyone else sees them?

Well… I’ve definitely done worse.

Let me know how yours turn out—and what little twist you added. I’m always here for your peanut butter stories.

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Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Imagine taking a bite of these Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars. Where every mouthful. Is a journey through layers of love. And convenience. This recipe. Isn't just about mixing components. It's about weaving together. The warmth of the kitchen. The joy of sharing. And the sweet, irresistible charm of peanut butter. Paired with chocolate. It's for those moments. When you crave a little sweetness. Without the commitment of a full batch. Designed to bring smiles. With its creamy texture. And chocolatey topping. Perfect for cozy evenings. These bars. Are a testament. To the simple pleasures in life. Made with care. And meant to be savored slowly. One delightful piece at a time.

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6 Servings

Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). And lightly grease a 9 x 7-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl. Mix together the butter and both sugars. Until creamy.
3. Stir in the beaten egg, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Until well combined.
4. Mix in the oats. Flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Until a dough forms.
5. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. And bake for 15 minutes.
6. 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.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
8. For the frosting. Beat together the butter. Milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread it over the cooled bars.
9. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter bars!

Notes

To transform these delightful Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars. Into a gluten-free treat. All you need is a simple swap. Replace the all-purpose flour. With your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend. That's designed to be a 1:1 substitute. To ensure your bars still have that perfect texture. And taste. Don't forget to ensure your oats. Are certified gluten-free too. As oats can sometimes be contaminated. With gluten during processing. With these easy adjustments. You can enjoy the same delicious. Peanut buttery goodness. In every bite. Make this recipe inclusive for friends. And family with gluten sensitivities. Dive into baking with confidence. Knowing everyone can indulge. In the sweetness of your homemade bars!

Audrey

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Bitty

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!

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