Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars Simple and Tasty Treat

December 12, 2025February 16, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

To make Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars, gather these simple ingredients:

– 1 cup creamy peanut butter

– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup rolled oats

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

These ingredients come together to create a delicious treat. The creamy peanut butter adds richness, while the applesauce keeps the bars moist. Brown sugar gives a nice touch of caramel flavor, and honey adds sweetness. Vanilla extract enhances the taste, making these bars truly special.

The rolled oats and flour provide structure, giving the bars a chewy texture. Baking powder helps them rise just a bit. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly. Finally, mini chocolate chips add bursts of chocolate in every bite.

With these ingredients, you are on your way to making a treat that your family will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Pan

First, turn on your oven and set it to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for even baking. Next, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or use parchment paper. The paper helps with easy removal later.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or a mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth. It’s important that all these ingredients mix well. This step gives your bars a tasty flavor and moist texture.

Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps evenly distribute the baking powder. This ensures your bars rise nicely while baking.

Baking the Peanut Butter Bars

Now, pour the dry mix into your wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or your bars may be tough. Next, fold in the mini chocolate chips. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. If you want, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for extra sweetness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should look golden, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Cooling and Serving Tips

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the bars set well. Once cool, you can slice them into squares or bars. Serve them on a nice platter. For a special touch, sprinkle crushed nuts or drizzle honey on top. Enjoy your delicious treat!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

To get the best texture for your bars, use creamy peanut butter. This keeps them soft and smooth. Mixing the wet ingredients well helps blend everything. When you add dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Bake until the edges are golden for a chewy center. Let them cool completely before cutting. This helps the bars hold their shape.

Sweetness Adjustments

If you want sweeter bars, add more honey or brown sugar. Taste the mixture before you bake. You can adjust the sweetness to fit your liking. If you prefer less sugar, reduce honey or use less brown sugar. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture. This makes the bars soft without being overly sweet.

Presentation Enhancements

Make your bars look special by serving them on a wooden platter. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top for extra style. A drizzle of honey adds a nice touch, too. For a fun twist, add extra mini chocolate chips on top before baking. This makes them look delicious and inviting. Slice them into even squares for a perfect finish.

Variations

Add-ins for Flavor

You can make Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars even tastier! Try adding different mix-ins. Here are some ideas:

– Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or almonds give a nice crunch.

– Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries add sweetness and chewiness.

– Coconut Flakes: Shredded coconut brings a tropical twist.

– Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

These add-ins make each batch unique and fun to enjoy.

Gluten-Free Options

Want to make these bars gluten-free? It’s simple! Just swap the all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free flour blends instead. They work well in this recipe. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free too. This way, you can enjoy the bars without the gluten.

Alternative Sweeteners

If you want to cut sugar, consider using alternative sweeteners. Here are a few options:

– Maple Syrup: This adds a rich flavor.

– Agave Nectar: A great option that is sweeter than honey.

– Stevia: A no-calorie sweetener that works well in baked goods.

Adjust the amounts based on how sweet you want the bars to be. Each sweetener brings a new taste to the classic recipe.

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

I recommend storing Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. They can stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.

Long-Term Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Best Practices for Freshness

To keep the bars fresh, avoid exposing them to air. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking them. This prevents sticking and keeps them moist. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. It adds a rich flavor. Just make sure it’s creamy. Stir it well before measuring to mix the oil. This helps the bars hold together.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are golden. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. Keep an eye on them around 20 minutes. If they look too soft, give them a few extra minutes.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, these bars can be made dairy-free. The recipe already has no dairy. Use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to add chocolate. This way, everyone can enjoy them!

What should I serve with Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars?

These bars are great on their own. You can serve them with a glass of milk. They pair well with coffee or hot cocoa too. For a fancy touch, add a drizzle of honey or crushed nuts on top.

In this post, we covered the tasty ingredients needed for peanut butter bars and how to make them step by step. I shared tips for the perfect texture and ways to add some flair. We also explored fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions about options like gluten-free and dairy-free. Peanut butter bars are easy to make and very rewarding. Try them out, and enjoy the sweet trea