Peanut Butter Oreo Bars

If you’re looking for a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and is oh-so-easy to whip up, these Peanut Butter Oreo Bars are calling your name! Imagine the delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy Oreo cookies coming together in a luscious, no-bake dessert. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Plus, who can resist that rich chocolate topping?

These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a little piece of happiness wrapped in simplicity. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just want a sweet snack after dinner, these Peanut Butter Oreo Bars are sure to impress everyone around the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required: Enjoy the ease of a no-bake dessert that saves you time and energy.
• Family favorite: With their rich flavors, these bars are sure to become a hit with both kids and adults!
• Make ahead: Perfect for meal prep or when you need something sweet ready to go for unexpected guests.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of peanut butter, Oreos, and chocolate will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re going to love how simple and wholesome the ingredients are for these Peanut Butter Oreo Bars! With just a few pantry staples, you can create this delicious treat that everyone will adore.

For the Crust

• 15 Oreo cookies (not double stuffed)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams) (melted)

For the Filling

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams) (softened)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 2/3 cup powdered sugar (183 grams) (sifted)

For the Topping

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (170 grams) (or your favorite variety)
• 2 teaspoons shortening (or 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil)

Variations

The beauty of these Peanut Butter Oreo Bars is their flexibility! You can easily mix things up to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add some crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for an extra crunchy texture.
• Make it chocolatey: Use chocolate Oreos instead of regular ones for an even richer flavor.
• Go nut-free: Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re catering to nut allergies.
• Drizzle with caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving for an indulgent twist!

How to Make Peanut Butter Oreo Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Leave an overhang around the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out once they’re set!

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, crush those Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Mix them with melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This crust is crucial as it provides a tasty base that holds everything together!

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In another bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Then add in your smooth peanut butter and sifted powdered sugar. Mix until well combined—the filling should be creamy and thick enough to spread easily over your crust.

Step 4: Spread It Out

Spoon the peanut butter mixture over your crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure it’s nice and flat so every bite is perfectly balanced with that delicious crust!

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

Melt semi-sweet chocolate along with shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently. Once melted and smooth, pour it over your peanut butter layer. This glossy topping adds a decadent finish!

Step 6: Chill

Cover your pan and refrigerate for at least an hour until firm. This step is key—it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift your bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares and enjoy! These Peanut Butter Oreo Bars are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Oreo Bars

Making these Peanut Butter Oreo Bars is a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they’re absolutely perfect!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and peanut butter to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother filling that blends seamlessly with the powdered sugar.

• Crush Oreos finely: The finer your crushed Oreos, the more cohesive your crust will be. This ensures a solid base that holds up beautifully when you cut the bars.

• Chill thoroughly: Allowing the bars to chill in the fridge for at least an hour after assembly is crucial. This helps them set properly, making slicing easier and enhancing their overall texture.

• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to mix different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate or white chocolate can add unique flavors and visual appeal to your bars.

• Customize with add-ins: Consider folding in some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling for extra texture and flavor variations.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Oreo Bars

These Peanut Butter Oreo Bars are not just delicious; they also look fabulous on any dessert table! Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolaty flavor.
• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkling chopped peanuts on top provides a nice crunch and complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream can bring a creamy contrast that balances out the richness of the bars.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can brighten up your dessert table and provide a light contrast to the rich bars.
• Vanilla almond milk: Serve these bars alongside a glass of vanilla almond milk for a deliciously nutty pairing that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting beverage option that pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like these bars.
• Caramel sauce dip: For an indulgent twist, offer some caramel sauce as a dip. The sweet, buttery notes will elevate each bite of your peanut butter Oreo bars!

Enjoy crafting these lovely treats for yourself and sharing them with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter Oreo Bars are perfect for meal prep, as they store beautifully and make for a delightful treat anytime you have a craving. Whether you’re planning for a party or simply want to indulge yourself throughout the week, these bars can easily fit into your schedule.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For longer shelf life, consider freezing them (see below).

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

• These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; however, if you prefer them slightly warmed:
• Microwave a square for about 10-15 seconds until just slightly warm.
• Avoid overheating, as this could melt the chocolate topping.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Peanut Butter Oreo Bars.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for my Peanut Butter Oreo Bars?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter can be used if you enjoy that extra texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess of the filling slightly.

How long do Peanut Butter Oreo Bars last?

When stored properly, these bars will last up to a week in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to two months.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you don’t have shortening on hand, vegetable oil is a great alternative. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these Peanut Butter Oreo Bars! They’re not just easy to make but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re indulging during movie night or treating friends at a gathering, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy creating this delightful dessert, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or variations. Happy baking!