Serves: 9 (or 12 smaller bars)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Oat Mixture:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until bubbling (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until smooth, then fold in oats until fully coated.
3. Layer the Base:
   Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
   Microwave chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth (or use a double boiler).
5. Assemble the Bars:
   Spread melted chocolate evenly over the oat base. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate and press gently to adhere.
6. Chill and Set:
   Refrigerate for 2 hours (or freeze for 45 minutes) until firm. Lift out using parchment overhang, then cut into 9 squares.