Fudgy Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Bars

Submitted by PsychoCasseroleStep

"I got this recipe from the Cooking During Stolen Moments blog at stolenmomentscooking.com where I have found many wonderful recipes. It is a little complicated but definitely worth the effort and you can cut these bars into very small pieces because they are so rich and delicious and dense! Whenever I bring these to an event I always get asked for the recipe."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 24 bars
• Serves: 24

ingredients

• For Filling

• 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• For Base and Topping

• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 3⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1⁄4 cups flour
• 2 1⁄2 cups quick oats
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

directions

1. Combine all filling ingredients in small saucepan and cook over low heat. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and combined. Remove from heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl cream together sugars and butters until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
3. Stir in flour, 1 1/2 cups oats, baking soda and salt. Work in remaining 1 cup of oats with hands or a spoon.
4. Reserve 1 1/2 cups oats mixture for the topping.
5. Press the remaining oats mixture into a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Pour fudgy filling on top. Crumble reserved oats mixture and sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Cool and then refrigerate to firm completely.