Peanut Butter Squares
Peanut Butter Squares are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a chewy, sweet bar. Perfect for satisfying your cravings or sharing at gatherings, these squares are easy to make and will please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/3 c. crunchy or smooth peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 c. quick cooking oats, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate morsels ⓘ
- 1/2 c. powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. smooth peanut butter
- 3 to 5 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, margarine, peanut butter, egg, and oats in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix well.
- Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
- Press dough into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate morsels.
- Let stand until chocolate melts.
- Spread chocolate evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter, or add nuts for extra crunch. Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract. If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Squares are perfect as a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. For a fun twist, try them with Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delicious treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Squares contains roughly 393 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1292mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter is usually less sweet and more oily. If you choose to use it, you might want to adjust the sugar levels to taste.
Can I freeze these squares?
Absolutely! You can freeze the Peanut Butter Squares for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
To make these Peanut Butter Squares gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the oats, are certified gluten-free. This adjustment allows you to enjoy this treat without gluten while retaining its delicious flavor.
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).