Peanut Butter Bars

Portion Size: 2” x 2” square

Ingredients: Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients Notes: 
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup peanut butter, plus 2 tablespoons for frostingDivided
¼ cup margarine
1 egg
1 tablespoon nonfat milk, plus 2 tablespoons for frostingDivided
½ teaspoon vanilla, plus ¾ teaspoon for frostingDivided
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup quick cooking rolled oats
2¼ cup powder sugar for frosting
For gluten free (GF): Use GF all-purpose flour, GF oats and GF baking powder.  Always check each ingredient to be sure it is gluten free.

Directions:

Steps:Directions: Critical Control Point / Quality Assurance
1Combine about half of the flour, the brown sugar, ¼ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup margarine, egg, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and baking soda.  
2Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed to high speed till thoroughly combined.  
3Beat in remaining flour. Stir in oats. Spread batter into an ungreased 8X8X2 inch pan.
4Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F for 15 seconds.
5In a bowl beat 2 tablespoons peanut butter till fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and beating well.
6Slowly beat in 2 tablespoons milk and ¾ teaspoon vanilla and then the remaining 1¼ cup sugar.
7Add additional milk if needed to make of spreading consistency.  Spread on cool peanut butter bars.
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Jacqueline Larson M.S., R.D.N. and Associates