REESE’S Peanut Butter-Chocolate Revel Bars are a dreamy, chewy dessert bar packed with layers of chocolate fudge and peanut butter goodness, all wrapped in a soft oatmeal cookie base. This treat is inspired by classic revel bars, which traditionally feature a rich chocolate filling between buttery oat layers. With the addition of creamy REESE’S peanut butter and optional chopped REESE’S cups or Pieces, this version takes everything you love about the original and makes it even more indulgent.
What makes these bars stand out is their irresistible texture and flavor contrast. You get the chewiness from the oats, the gooey decadence of the chocolate-peanut butter center, and the sweet crunch if you choose to sprinkle in REESE’S candies. It’s a dessert that hits all the right notes — perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or a cozy night in. You can even make them ahead and freeze them, making them ideal for busy schedules and holiday prep. If you’re looking to expand your dessert bar collection, our internal guide on best peanut butter bar recipes offers even more variations to try.
While traditional revel bars have been loved for decades, the addition of peanut butter modernizes the flavor and makes these bars an instant favorite with kids and adults alike. You can explore countless variations and presentation styles by checking out Pinterest chocolate peanut butter recipes for decorating tips and inspiration. Whether you’re baking for a party or just because, these bars are a no-fail, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines everything great about cookies, candy, and fudge — all in one pan.
Why This Recipe Works
These REESE’S Peanut Butter-Chocolate Revel Bars deliver on both flavor and function — and that’s exactly why they’ve become a staple for home bakers. The combination of buttery oatmeal cookie dough with a rich chocolate peanut butter fudge center makes each bite indulgent, chewy, and satisfying. It’s a layered dessert that offers everything: sweetness, texture, and just the right amount of salty balance from the peanut butter.
One reason this recipe is so reliable is the use of sweetened condensed milk in the fudge layer. It creates a thick, creamy consistency that sets beautifully as the bars cool, unlike other fillings that can become grainy or overly soft. Paired with REESE’S peanut butter, the center becomes rich and velvety, bringing a smooth contrast to the crumbly oat base. This layered technique is similar to other nostalgic cookie bars like chocolate chip cookie bars but with a more decadent twist. If you’re interested in more layered treats, check out our internal post on top layered dessert bar ideas.
Another reason these bars work so well? They’re easy to customize. You can use crunchy or creamy peanut butter, swap chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate, or mix chopped REESE’S into the dough for extra bursts of flavor. Even visually, they impress — just check out Pinterest layered cookie bar ideas for inspiration. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dessert tray, after-school snack, or gifting, these bars consistently deliver chewy edges, fudgy centers, and peanut buttery perfection.
Ingredients Needed
These REESE’S Peanut Butter-Chocolate Revel Bars use simple pantry staples to create a bakery-quality treat at home. The key is in the layering: a chewy oat base, a smooth fudge center, and a crumbly topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
For the Oat Layer:
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Butter (softened) – Provides richness and structure
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Brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor
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Granulated sugar – For balance and sweetness
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Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add moisture
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Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor
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All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough
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Baking soda – Leavens and lightens the texture
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Salt – Balances the sweetness
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Quick or old-fashioned oats – Adds chewiness and texture
For the Fudge Filling:
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Sweetened condensed milk – Creates a thick, creamy texture
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REESE’S peanut butter – Adds nutty flavor and smoothness
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The base of the fudge
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Salt – Deepens the chocolate flavor
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Optional mix-ins:
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Chopped REESE’S cups or REESE’S Pieces
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Mini marshmallows
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Chopped peanuts or walnuts
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For more details on ingredients like peanut butter and condensed milk, check their origins and common uses in desserts. You can also browse Pinterest REESE’S dessert bars for topping inspiration.
Tools You’ll Need
These bars come together quickly with basic kitchen equipment:
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Hand mixer or spatula
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Saucepan (for fudge layer)
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Parchment paper or non-stick spray
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Knife or bench scraper for slicing
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Cooling rack
You can learn more about essential bar dessert tools in our internal post: Top baking tools for bar desserts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Oat Mixture
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients. Stir in 3 cups of oats. Reserve 1/3 of the oat dough for topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Fudge Layer
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup REESE’S peanut butter, and 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Assemble
Press the remaining 2/3 of the oat dough into the prepared pan. Pour the warm fudge mixture over the dough and spread evenly. Crumble the reserved oat dough over the top. Sprinkle chopped REESE’S or REESE’S Pieces over the surface if using.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
Need visuals? Check out Pinterest layered cookie bar ideas for assembly inspiration.
Delicious Variations
These bars are easy to customize to your taste or occasion:
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Swap peanut butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture or almond butter for a twist
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Use dark chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer filling
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Add a drizzle: Drizzle melted REESE’S peanut butter or ganache over the cooled bars
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Make them festive: Add red and green M&M’s for holidays or colored sprinkles
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Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and certified gluten-free oats
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Mini version: Bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized bars
Explore more ideas on Pinterest peanut butter bar toppings.
Tips for the Best Texture
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Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing
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Don’t overbake – the center should be slightly soft when removed from the oven
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Cool completely before slicing to help the fudge layer set
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Reserve oat topping – don’t forget to save some dough for the crumb top
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Use shelf-stable peanut butter – avoid natural peanut butter as it can separate
Looking for more baking tips? Visit pound cake technique pages for texture insights that apply here too.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
These bars store and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for advance prep.
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Chill for up to 7 days for a firmer bite.
Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped individual bars or the whole slab for up to 2 months.
To thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds.
Want to extend shelf life? Read cookie storage tips for more information.
Nutrition Information
Per bar (based on 24 servings):
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Calories: 280
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Total Fat: 14g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Sugars: 22g
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Protein: 4g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 120mg
Values may vary depending on add-ins and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
It’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can affect the texture of both the oat layer and the fudge filling. Use a creamy, shelf-stable variety like REESE’S or Jif.
Why did my bars turn out crumbly?
They may have been overbaked or not cooled fully before slicing. Make sure to bake just until the center is set and allow time to cool completely for clean, firm bars.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
Yes — it’s essential for the texture and richness of the fudge layer. Substitutes like evaporated milk won’t work the same way.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger sheet pan and adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the center to ensure it’s fully baked.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are actually better the next day after the flavors settle and the fudge sets. Make them 1–2 days in advance for best results.
REESE’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Revel Bars – Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Description
REESE’S Peanut Butter-Chocolate Revel Bars are layered dessert bars made with a chewy oat cookie base, rich chocolate-peanut butter fudge filling, and a sweet crumble topping. They’re easy to bake, slice beautifully, and taste like a cross between a cookie and a candy bar.
Ingredients
For the oat mixture:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the filling:
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1 cup REESE’S creamy peanut butter
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix in the oats until fully combined. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, REESE’S peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the base.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oat mixture over the filling.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix in the oats until fully combined. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, REESE’S peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the base.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oat mixture over the filling.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.
