The Ultimate Party Favorite: Simple Yet Delicious Birthday Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and brown sugar. Stir them together to evenly distribute.

Add Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter together in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, add the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk to the mixture. Stir until smooth.

Combine:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but hold together when pressed.

Add Chocolate Chips:
If using mini chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture.

Press into the Baking Dish:
Spread the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula to ensure it sticks together.

Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

Cool and Cut:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips: