Million Dollar Bars (Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars, Gluten Free)
A sturdy, oat-based crust is topped with a delicious chocolate-peanut butter-butterscotch topping- and they just happen to be gluten-free.
A few days ago I realized something pretty wacky: In 3.5 years of blogging, I haven’t posted any bar recipes. What?!? I love bars, but for some reason have neglected to post any bona fide bar recipes on my blog. Please accept these bars as an apology.
About The Recipe: Million Dollar Bars
I’m generally not a fan of cutesy names for recipes (like “pigs in a blanket” or “toad in a hole”). Especially when the name contradicts everything my blog stands for (hello, cheap recipe blog?)
But million dollar bars is what they’re called. So bear with me.
A few years ago, I went to a garage sale where a couple of kids were selling bars and lemonade. I felt compelled to buy one of the bars – the million dollar bars.
Apparently I got a massive discount, because they only charged me a dollar. A dollar!!
After I ate the bar, I immediately started searching for the recipe online.
They were amazing. A sturdy, crispy crust topped with a chocolaty, peanut-buttery, butterscotch topping and peanuts. A totally different bar that I couldn’t wait to make myself.
What Are Million Dollar Bars?
Million Dollar Bars are a layered dessert bar made with a crispy, baked oat crust and a rich chocolate-peanut butter-butterscotch topping loaded with salted peanuts. Think of them as a cross between a scotcheroo and a peanut butter chocolate bar – but with a heartier, crunchier base.
The name is a little ironic for a budget food blog, but don’t let it fool you: these bars are made entirely from pantry staples and cost very little to make. They’re a Midwest classic – the kind of recipe that shows up at church potlucks, bake sales, and family reunions.
They’re also naturally gluten-free, which makes them a great option when you’re baking for a crowd with mixed dietary needs
I searched online for the recipe and found it on the St. Paul Pioneer Press website – but before I had a chance to make them, the recipe disappeared from their website.
…until last week, when I realized that my blog was lacking in bar recipes, and I remembered these delectable treats – which were now back online.
I promise that this recipe won’t disappear from my blog. But that’s no reason to wait to make them. They’re delicious. And they may not cost a million dollars, but you’ll see how they got their name.
More Chocolate Dessert Recipes
- No-bake peanut butter bars (gluten free)
- Brown butter-almond brownies
- 3-ingredient Nutella brownies
- 4-ingredient chocolate truffles (Brigadeiros)
- Chocolate dessert salami
- Retro recipes: No-bake chocolate oatsies
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FAQs
How do you store million dollar bars?
Store million dollar bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The topping stays firm and sliceable when kept cold. You can also store them at room temperature for up to two days, though the topping may soften slightly in a warm kitchen.
Can you freeze million dollar bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Cut them into individual bars, layer between sheets of parchment paper, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can you make million dollar bars ahead of time?
Absolutely, and they’re actually better the next day. The crust firms up and the topping sets more completely after a full night in the refrigerator. Make them the day before your event, keep them covered in the fridge, and cut into bars right before serving.
Million Dollar Bars Recipe
I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean-up.
Ingredients
For crust:
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For topping:
- 1 package (11 ounces) butterscotch chips
- 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup salted, dry-roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x13-inch cake pan with parchment paper (or spray with nonstick cooking spray).
- To make crust: Place oats in large mixing bowl. Set aside. Place butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter and vanilla in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until melted. Pour over oatmeal and mix all ingredients together. Press oat mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crust is lightly browned (this took closer to 15 minutes in my oven). Remove from oven and allow crust to cool for 30 minutes.
- To make topping: Using same saucepan, add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Heat over low heat until melted. Stir in peanuts. Pour mixture over cooled crust. Place in fridge for an hour to harden. Cut into bars when cool.
They honestly look GREAT! I always love new ideas. Thanks!
I’ve never heard of these before. Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to try them.
Yum! These look so great Haley!
These look amazing! And my favorite part is that I have all of the ingredients on hand. 🙂
It’s a sign!
Wow…these sound awesome! I love anything that has peanut butter and chocolate as ingredients. I’ll have to try these sometime soon!
Thank you Lisa!
These look and sound so awesome, probably a very kid friendly recipe too, perhaps when I need some little helpers in the kitchen with me 🙂
These look so yummy! Love peanut butter and chocolate – one of my favorite combinations.
These looks amazing! I’m not the “baker” in the house, but I’m def passing this recipe on to my 12yo. 😉 She’ll make them for us!!
These Million Dollar Bars are a great hit in my home. A must try! They are delicious!!