Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

The title for these little treasures is kind of a mouthful, but it's important that you know all the goodies they contain!  Peanut butter.  Oatmeal.  Chocolate.  Interested yet?  I thought so.

I made these for a get together a while ago, and just couldn't wait any longer to share them.  They were a big hit with everyone, except one person who didn't like peanut butter.  Can you believe that in the few months I've lived in southeast Kansas I have met two people who didn't like peanut butter?  I thought liking peanut butter was a requirement to be an American citizen!  There must be something in the water down here.

Anyway, before I start rambling too much about my love for peanut butter, let's talk about making these bars.  They would be great to take to a New Year's party, and everyone will love you for it.  Except the freaks who don't like peanut butter.  

Here's what you need:

Start by combining oatmeal and baking soda.

Cream that peanut butter!

Add your applesauce.  Yeah, applesauce.  You don't have to tell people these bars aren't totally bad for you.  But maybe they'll love you more if you do.  If your friends aren't into healthy stuff, just focus on the sugar you are also adding.

Beat these together.  Looking good!

Then add eggs and vanilla.

Beat it again!  Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Also remember not to eat all the batter.

Now stir in the chocolate chips and oatmeal mixture.

And spread this mass of goodness into a 9x13-inch baking dish.  At this point I thought it could use something else, so I put some peanuts on top.  I thought it was good!

Bake it for 25-30 minutes.  Try really had to let it cool before you slice it and eat it!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

3 cups oats

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup no-sugar-added applesacue

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine the oatmeal and baking soda; set aside.

Beat peanut butter on high speed until light and creamy.  Beat in applesauce.  Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed until combined.  Stir in oat mixture and chocolate chips (and peanuts if using).  Pour batter into prepared dish and bake 25-30 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

Allow to cool before slicing.

Recipe adapted from Keep It Sweet