Delicious Oatmeal and Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Bars

"It [the peanut butter bar] smells delicious." 

(slight pause) 

"It is delicious!  Oh my!" said Matt.

When you get a reaction like that from any dessert you have baked, your baking self-esteem is automatically going to move up a little higher.  As you can tell from the direct quote above, yesterday afternoon I was feeling pretty darn good about myself. 

Because the weekend had been so busy, I was excited about the idea of baking something on Sunday afternoon.  After much looking, I came across a peanut butter bar recipe on the Weight Watchers website.  Because I had all the ingredients and because Matt loves peanut butter anything, I decided to see how this lower-fat, reduced calorie recipe would turn out. 

Below is the recipe taken directly from the Weight Watchers website.  I would highly recommend trying this recipe if you are wanting or needing to make something for a large group of people.  The bars were easy to eat and had the consistency between a cake and cookie bar.  They are also slightly on the healthier side because the recipe include whole wheat flour and oatmeal.  If you make them, I hope you enjoy!

          ...............

Peanut Butter Bars

(taken from Weight Watchers website)

Bar

1 spray cooking spray

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats, do not use instant

3/4 cup reduced fat peanut butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar, granulated

1/2 cup light butter, from a stick, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup fat free skim milk

Icing

3 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter

1 1/2 tablespoons light butter, from a stick

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon fat free skim milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

Whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.  Whisk in oats and set aside.

With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter in a large bowl until well blended.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in vanilla.

At low speed, add one half of flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, then one half of milk, beating just until incorporated.  Repeat with remaining flour mixture and milk, beating until well mixed.  Spread batter in prepared pan.  Bake until golden at edges and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.  Transfer to a rack.

Meanwhile, to making icing, combine peanut butter and butter in a medium microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high until butter is melted, about 30 seconds; whisk until smooth.  Add powdered sugar and milk; which until smooth.  Immediately spread icing evening over hot cake.  Cool completely.  Cut into 24 bars.