Step 1: Prep Pan and Melt Butter: Grease a 9×9 inch square pan. Melt 1 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Make Oat Mixture: Stir the 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted butter. Mix in the 3 cups quick cooking oats. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the ingredients are well blended.
Step 3: Form Crust and Reserve Topping: Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.
Step 4: Make Chocolate Filling: Meanwhile, melt the 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Step 5: Layer and Chill: Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust in the pan, and spread evenly with a knife or the back of a spoon.2 Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing in gently.3 Cover the pan and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or overnight until set.
Step 6: Cut and Serve: Bring the bars to room temperature before cutting them into squares.
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