Peanutty Candy Bars

By newbaucher

These chewy, gooey bars surely won't last long. Good thing they're quick and easy to make!—Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin

Ingredients

• 4 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup plus 2/3 cup peanut butter, divided
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (11 ounces) butterscotch chips
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped salted peanuts

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, 1/2 cup peanut butter, corn syrup and vanilla. Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until mixture is bubbly around the edges.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butterscotch and chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in peanuts and remaining peanut butter; spread over the oat mixture. Cool for 10 minutes; chill until set. Yield: 2 dozen.
Editor's Note: Reduced-fat or generic brands of peanut butter are not recommended for this recipe.