Chocolate Oat Bars

1 cup butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon Goodman’s Pure Vanilla Extract

3 cups quick cooking oats

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Flake salt, for topping (optional)

1. Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and Goodman’s Pure Vanilla Extract. Add the oats and cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until well combined.
3. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining oat mixture for the topping.
4. Place the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.
5. Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat crust and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer and gently press it down.
7. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until set. Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.

Tip

A light sprinkle of flake salt on top helps balance the sweetness and gives these bars the perfect sweet-and-salty finish.