Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Ok, so I go to this bakery that makes these amazing chocolate peanut butter bars. Sucks that I have to drive 18 miles for $5.00 slice!!! I know, I know :/. but they are mighty delicious.
 My daughter say, "Mommy, I don't know why you drive an hour for something you can make yourself, you're a pastry chef!", and she is so very right.
So I got to work. I have to say after making these in the comfort of my own home instead of traveling, I could have saved some damn money!

I am a chocoholic! These are extremely decadent. I must worn you, milk is a must in this situation. Do not, and I mean do not forget the milk!!!
Now that I've warned you, let's get started. *(Please read through my recipe before you start. I always have hints and notes that can be beneficial.)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

  Ingredients

• 2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter (or almond butter...whatever butter)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line 8 by 11.5 baking dish with parchment paper. I use this size for almost all my bars. If you don't have and 8 by 11.5 Feel free to use a 9 by 13 or 8 by 8. That changes the thickness, but still delicious.

3. In stand mixer, add the oatmeal, flours, peanuts, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, oil, eggs and vanilla and beat until combined and the dough holds together. Mix in ½ cup of the chocolate.

4. Turn approximately ¾ of batter into prepared pan, and lightly press down.

5. Make the chocolate by melting 1 cup chocolate in microwave for about 1 min. Stir, and add peanut butter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture on top of the pressed dough. Spread out with spatula. Doesn't have to be perfect. 

7. Crumble the remaining dough on top of the chocolate. It's ok if some of the chocolate is visible.

 

7.Bake 20-25 minutes. Do not over bake, just until you achieve golden edges. Let cool completely! I know this step is the hardest, but they are so much better at room temperature, and even better the next day. If you still have any left till then? Enjoy!