Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

The Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the comforting chewiness of oats and the rich sweetness of chocolate chips in every bite. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake something that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying, whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert. These bars strike the perfect balance of hearty texture and sweet indulgence, making them an instant favorite that you’ll want to make time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on these bars is easy because all the ingredients are pantry staples that work together beautifully. Each one plays a key role, from the nutty oats that add texture to the melted butter that gives the bars their tender crumb and the cinnamon that adds just a hint of warmth.

• 2 1/2 Cups Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides the chewy, wholesome texture that forms the base of the bars.
• 2 Cup All Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the bars, ensuring they hold their shape when sliced.
• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor for depth.
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise lightly, giving a soft, tender bite.
• 1 Teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice note that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• 1 Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted): Brings richness and moisture to the bars.
• 2 Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create a soft texture.
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract: Infuses the batter with a classic sweet aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
• 1 1/2 Cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Loaded throughout the bars to deliver pockets of melty chocolate joy.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees F so it can come up to temperature while you work on the batter. Then grease your 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, which makes it super easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry components well ensures the flavors and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted butter, crack in the eggs, and add the vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until you have a uniform, sticky dough forming. The melted butter will coat the oats and flour, creating a tender texture in the finished bars.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the semi sweet chocolate chips into your batter. This step is so satisfying because you can already imagine how those rich chocolate pockets will melt during baking and add bursts of sweetness throughout the bars.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the bars turn a light golden brown and feel set to the touch. The oven’s heat will activate the baking soda and bring the bars to their perfect soft, chewy texture.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches and Cool

Once out of the oven, sprinkle a touch of coarse sea salt over the top of the warm bars. This small detail enhances the chocolate’s sweetness and adds a delightful contrast. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares, which lets them firm up perfectly for neat cuts.

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Garnishes

These bars are irresistible on their own, but you can dress them up a bit for guests by sprinkling a little extra sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream also turns these bars into an elegant dessert.

Side Dishes

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. They also make a great accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter at parties. Layering the bars with fresh berries and cream in a trifle dish creates a stunning dessert parfait that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bars are cooled, keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them an ideal grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

For a warm, gooey treat, reheat bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for a few minutes. This brings back their freshly-baked charm and melts the chocolate just right.

FAQs

Can I substitute rolled oats for quick oats in the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars?

While rolled oats are preferred for their chewy texture, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware the bars may turn out slightly softer and less textured.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer, slightly more bitter flavor which pairs nicely with the sweetness of the oats and sugar.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written, since they contain all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just make sure it’s one suitable for baking.

Can I make these bars vegan?

You’d need to replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. The texture may vary slightly but it’s definitely doable.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?

Wait until the bars have completely cooled before cutting. Using a sharp knife and pressing down firmly in one smooth motion helps create clean slices without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars a try. They bring together the best of comfort baking — simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a mouthwatering result every single time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these bars will quickly become a cherished recipe that you reach for again and again. Happy baking!

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