Oven Peanut Bars
Sweet and crunchy peanut bars with a buttery crumb base and rich butterscotch topping, perfect for sharing at parties, picnics, or as a satisfying homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Pat the mixture flat into pans.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butterscotch chips, butter, water, and Karo syrup together.
- Pour the melted mixture over the peanuts.
- Spread the topping over the hot crumb base and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Loosen edges while warm.
- Cool and cut into 2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the crumb mixture. If you don't have butterscotch chips, chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips can be a delicious substitute. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped peanuts to the topping. Make sure to spread the melted mixture quickly over the crumb base to ensure even distribution.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut bars are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For an extra touch, serve them with a side of Fruit With Strawberry Yogurt for a refreshing contrast. They make great treats for gatherings or lunchboxes, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delightful American recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Peanut Bars contains roughly 85 calories, with 0g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the butterscotch chips, are gluten-free to maintain the integrity of your dessert.
How can I make these bars less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar. Additionally, you can opt for unsweetened chocolate chips instead of butterscotch chips to balance the sweetness.
Can I freeze the peanut bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a warm treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).