Chocolate Peanut Butter Crumble Bars

A layered chocolate peanut butter cookie bar with a crumb topping.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup butter - divided use
1/2 cup peanuts
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal - divided use
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and 1/2 cup butter. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Stir in peanuts; set aside.
3. In a large mixer bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Beat at medium speed until well-mixed. Reduce the speed to low and add flour, 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal, baking soda, and salt. Continue beating until well blended then stir in 2 cups quick cooking oatmeal. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate mixture then press the remainder onto the bottom of a lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Spread the flour mixture on top and spread the reserved mixture on top.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool then refrigerate until firm before cutting into bars.

Makes 24 bars.