Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

There’s something truly magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and when you add in the chewy texture of oats, you create a treat that’s irresistible. The Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are my go-to dessert when I want to impress my friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made these bars; I was hosting a small get-together, and I needed something sweet but simple. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, my house was filled with the warm, nutty aroma of baked goods. Everyone gathered around, their eyes lighting up with anticipation, and I knew I had struck gold.

The best part? These bars are incredibly easy to whip up. Just a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to dessert heaven. I love how the layers come together—the buttery crust, the luscious peanut butter filling, and the colorful crunch of Reese’s Pieces on top create a visually appealing and mouthwatering treat. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual weekend gathering, or even just a cozy night in with a movie, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they store wonderfully, allowing you to indulge in sweet bites throughout the week. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these delightful Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars!

What to Gather for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Gathering ingredients for the Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars is a breeze. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The combination of butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter creates a rich and satisfying base, while the quick-cooking oats provide that chewy goodness we all love.

• Butter (1 cup, melted): The foundation of the crust, providing richness and flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly, creating a tender texture.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure to the bars and helps bind everything together.
• Quick-Cooking Oats (2 1/4 cups): Provides a chewy texture and is a wholesome addition.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 ounces): This creates the creamy filling that ties the bars together.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Infuses the bars with rich peanut flavor.
• Reese’s Pieces Candies (1 1/2 cups): The colorful topping that adds crunch and sweetness.

How to Assemble Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Assembling the Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delectable dessert that everyone will love.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9X13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat the foil with cooking spray. This will ensure that your bars release easily after baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using a hand-held mixer, blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick and well combined, with no lumps.
3. Add the all-purpose flour and quick-cooking oats to the bowl. Mix again until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the mixture to be cohesive but still have some texture.
4. Set aside one heaping cup of the oat mixture. This will be used for topping later. Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a sturdy and even crust. Bake this crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter. Mix until the two ingredients are fully blended and creamy. This filling is sweet, rich, and oh-so-delicious.
6. Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the peanut butter filling over the warm crust, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
7. Take the reserved oat mixture and sprinkle half of it over the peanut butter layer. Then, generously sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces candies over the top. This adds color and a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist.
8. Top with the remaining oat mixture, spreading it evenly over the candies to create a nice topping. Bake the assembled bars for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
9. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan. After about 30 minutes, you can lift them out using the foil and cut them into squares. They’ll be warm, gooey, and packed with flavor!
10. Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature, or in a zip-top bag for easy snacking throughout the week.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to get creative with the Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars. Here are some tips to inspire your next baking adventure:

• Storage: These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Variations: Try substituting the Reese’s Pieces with chocolate chips, or add some chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different types of peanut butter, like crunchy or natural varieties.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school snack.
• Decorating: For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. It adds a beautiful finish and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Great Combinations for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

When it comes to serving the Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great ideas:

• Pair with Coffee: These bars make a perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Ice Cream Delight: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the chewy bars.
• Picnic Treat: Pack these bars for a picnic or road trip snack. They travel well and can satisfy sweet cravings on the go.
• After-School Snack: Kids love these bars, making them a fantastic after-school treat. They’ll keep them energized and happy!
• Special Events: These bars are ideal for celebrations, potlucks, and gatherings. They’re easy to share and always a hit with guests.
• Seasonal Pairings: During holidays, consider decorating the bars with seasonal-themed sprinkles or candies to fit the occasion.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a must-try recipe. They are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a go; your friends and family will love every bite!

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Craving something sweet and satisfying? The Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are the perfect solution! With layers of creamy peanut butter, chewy oats, and colorful Reese’s Pieces, each bite is a delightful treat. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars will become a quick favorite in your home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 20 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Butter melted
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 1/4 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
• 1 14-ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces Candies

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cooking spray
• Hand-held electric mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9X13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat the foil with cooking spray. This will ensure that your bars release easily after baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using a hand-held mixer, blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick and well combined, with no lumps.
3. Add the all-purpose flour and quick-cooking oats to the bowl. Mix again until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the mixture to be cohesive but still have some texture.
4. Set aside one heaping cup of the oat mixture. This will be used for topping later. Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a sturdy and even crust. Bake this crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter. Mix until the two ingredients are fully blended and creamy. This filling is sweet, rich, and oh-so-delicious.
6. Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the peanut butter filling over the warm crust, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
7. Take the reserved oat mixture and sprinkle half of it over the peanut butter layer. Then, generously sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces candies over the top. This adds color and a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist.
8. Top with the remaining oat mixture, spreading it evenly over the candies to create a nice topping. Bake the assembled bars for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
9. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan. After about 30 minutes, you can lift them out using the foil and cut them into squares. They’ll be warm, gooey, and packed with flavor!
10. Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature, or in a zip-top bag for easy snacking throughout the week.

Notes

• Tip 1: These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Tip 3: Try substituting the Reese’s Pieces with chocolate chips, or add some chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different types of peanut butter, like crunchy or natural varieties.
• Tip 4: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school snack.
• Tip 5: For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. It adds a beautiful finish and enhances the chocolate flavor.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.