Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars

I do love peanut butter and chocolate desserts.   This is easy to make.  

SMALL BATCH PEANUT BUTTER BARS

(serves 4-6)

Bar Ingredients:

*1/4 cup butter, softened 

*1/4 cup granulated sugar

*1/4 cup light brown sugar

*1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1 tablespoon egg, beaten

*1/2 cup peanut butter

*1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

*1/4 cup old fashion oats

*1/4 teaspoon baking soda

*pinch of salt

Filling Ingredients:

*3 tablespoons peanut butter

Frosting Ingredients:

*3 tablespoons butter, softened

*1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

*2-4 tablespoons heavy cream

*6 mini peanut butter cups, broken into pieces

Bar Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray a 9x7 inch sheet pan or small baking dish.

~In a mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar together until creamy.

~Stir in vanilla, egg, and peanut butter, mix until well combined.

~Stir in oatmeal, flour, baking soda and salt until well combined.

~Spread into prepared pan.

~Bake for 14-16 minutes.

Filling Directions:

~Remove from oven and put the 3 tablespoons of peanut butter in dollops over hot peanut butter bars.

~Allow to sit for 5 minutes.

~Spread melting peanut butter over top of bars.

~Allow bars to cool completely.

Frosting Ingredients:

~In mixing bowl, cream butter, unsweetened cocoa, and powdered sugar together.

~Add in vanilla and 3 tablespoons heavy cream and mix until smooth (add the other tablespoon of heavy cream if you want to thin out the frosting).

~Spread frosting over bars.

~Sprinkle on broken up peanut butter bars.