Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Frosting

Oh man! I made it (almost) through the first full week of work. It was exhausting but we survived. 

A few things I have learned...

• Bottles have too many parts and require lots and lots of washing
• Babies are smart enough to know right when you need to leave and then decide to make a big mess
• I am resigned to being at least 10 minutes late from now on (see above)
• Laundry, laundry, laundry
• Take out will happen at least once a week
• Have chocolate and coffee on hand, always

It really isn't that bad but I feel like I am constantly going from 6 am to 8 pm EVERY single day.  I thought I had a busy life before but I was a fool. I think before I had a lot to do but if something didn't get done or I changed my mind it was OK. Totally doable. Now if the baby needs to be changed or we have no bottles, I cannot just say oh well we will get to that later. 

What was a life saver this week were these bars. They have protein (peanut butter), fiber (whole wheat flour and oatmeal), and antioxidants (chocolate) so I am deeming then healthy and a welcomed treat each day.  After Olivia goes to bed I would flop down on the couch and have a bar with a big glass of milk. Most days though I wish I had packed one for the office too. Hello 3pm energy slump!

Even if you don't have a baby. Or don't work. These bars are necessary. Yummy treats to help end your day in a really delicious way. 

Peanut Butter Oat Bars

by Emily Morris

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Keywords: bake dessert chocolate peanut butter bar

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Ingredients (24 bars)

For the Peanut Butter Oat Bars:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup old fashioned oats

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar together until smooth, about 3 minutes on medium speed. Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

With the mixer on low, slowly add in the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Fold in the oats.

Spread the batter into prepared pan, gently pressing to the edges with a spatula. Bake for 15 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and set around the edges. Cool completely.

As the bars cool prepare the chocolate frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the blade attachment, beat the butter and cocoa together until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Once combined pour in the milk and vanilla extract and beat until creamy and smooth.

Frost the cooled bars with chocolate frosting. Cut into squares and serve.

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