My mom did. I can recall MANY church potlucks, get-togethers at friend’s places, family gatherings and even some random after-school snack-age that involved these chewy chocolate oatmeal bars.

But, really, they were made of butter, oats, brown sugar, chocolate and marshmallows. They were also completely ready in about 20 minutes.

Do you blame her? SO MUCH GOODNESS.

Random side note: Growing up, my brother and I just called it “square.” “Chocolate oatmeal bars” was way out of our speech capacity, and they were cut into squares. So “Square” was an obvious name choice.

Anyway.

But, then I grew up and marshmallows, butter and refined flour just didn’t “do it” for me anymore.

I can’t confirm that the above sentence is a lie. Read: it is. How can those NOT “do it” for you, no matter who you are?!

Realistically, I just grew up and wanted to give my favorite child-hood treat a healthier makeover. I also learned about the existence of cheesecake. A discovery that changed my life.

So, I swapped the butter for coconut oil, the flour for whole wheat flour …and left the brown sugar. Sometimes, you don’t mess with that kinda-chewy-slightly-molassey thang that brown sugar adds to baked goods. That is a poor life choice.

Is peanut butter ever a bad idea? Personally I think it’s the best idea when served on a spoon.

Just in case you were wondering.

BUT, I am an all-inclusive peanut butter-ist, so this girl will eat it off a spoon OR in cute little chip form INSIDE a creamy (Greek yogurt!!) cheesecake.

That also happens to be topped AND bottomed with crunchy, buttery-without-the-butter crumbs. Crumbs that almost didn’t even fulfill their destiny of being topped on aforementioned cheesecake because they kept being “taste-tested”

Don’t say I don’t look out for your guys.

So, all there is left to say is this: “Look out Spring potluck-ing, because there is a new kid in town.”

Unless you eat it all before the potluck even starts.

I won’t tell.

I also shared the Oatmeal Crumble Peanut Butter Cheesecake Squares Recipe over on Food Fanatic, so make sure you check it out there!