This recipe for Peanut Butter M&M Bars is one that I’ve had in my recipe box for years. It’s truly a crowd-pleasing dessert and one that any peanut butter lover will enjoy. Change the color of colored candies and they are perfect for any occasion.
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This dessert is excellent for any holiday, sporting event (think team colors), bridal or baby shower (think pink and/or blue), or any party in general.
Simply use different seasonal colors of M&M’s, such as pastel-colored candies for Easter, red and green candies for Christmas, or red, pink and white candies for Valentine’s Day. Yellow, orange and chocolate M&M’s work well for Halloween and green candies are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Yields:
One recipe yields a jelly roll pan measuring 10.5-inches x 15.5-inches. When serving the bars to guests, I slightly trim the edges and cut my bars into approximately 2.5″ x 3″ OR 3″ x 3″ squares (give or take). These serving sizes will yield approximately 20 to 24 servings. (Oh, and FYI… my family fights over the cutoff edges!!)
No one on a restricted gluten-free diet need go without because Peanut Butter M&M Bars can easily be made gluten-free. Just one more reason why this recipe is so adaptable and perfect for any occasion.
Peanut Butter M&M Bars freeze well in an airtight food storage container up to two weeks. Therefore, feel free to make an entire batch, eat half, then freeze the other half to serve later. Slightly warm the bars prior to serving.
Peanut Butter M&M Bars
A delicious and easy dessert and one that can be tweaked for various holiday or occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/3 cup flour (GF Option: use a gluten-free brand + 1 teaspoon xanthan gum unless the flour already contains it)
- 1 cup quick cooking oats (GF Option: use gluten-free oats)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M's
Instructions
- Beat together peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla.
- Add flour, oats, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in 1/2 cup M&M's.
- Press dough into bottom of greased jelly roll pan. Sprinkle remaining M&M's over dough and lightly press them into the dough.
- Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 minutes.
- Cut and serve.
Yes, ma’am! If you ever try Peanut Butter M&M Bars, I think you’ll agree with me that the original creator of this recipe needs a big ole’ hug and kiss! XOXO
What are your favorite M&M candies?
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More great ideas:
Karen says
Where do I find the recipe for your M&M Peanut Butter Bar’s? I saw the pics but that was it, no recipe. They looked so good I wanted to make them for our women’s game day.
Blessed Beyond Crazy says
Hi Karen,
Please go back and read through the blog post. The recipe is posted there. Thanks! Linda & Anna
Kim says
Could you substitute Nutella? I’ve been on a kick lately
Blessed Beyond Crazy says
Hi Kim! We have never tried using Nutella but you can certainly try it and see how it turns out. Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy! Linda & Anna
Marie says
Does the type of oat matter in the recipe? Quick or old fashioned?
Blessed Beyond Crazy says
Hi Marie,
I would suggest using the quick because they will incorporate better into the batter. However, you certainly can use old fashioned oat. The old fashioned oats will probably be a little more noticeable and the bars may be just a little chewier but, I certainly do not have a problem with any of that. They will taste the exact same.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Have a great day!
Linda