Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar filled with gooey chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s the perfect combination of hearty and sweet! Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight treat or bringing something special to a family gathering, these bars are sure to impress everyone.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they make for an easy snack or dessert that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare these bars in under 10 minutes—perfect for when you’re short on time!
• Family-Friendly: These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are loved by both kids and adults, making them ideal for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch and store them for snacks throughout the week; they stay fresh and tasty!
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for an added twist.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of oats and chocolate creates a filling treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars. You probably have most of these on hand already!

• 2 1/2 Cups Old-Fashioned Oats
• 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize these bars to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use Different Sweeteners: Swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar if you prefer.
• Try Other Mix-Ins: Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add a delightful chewiness.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly option.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars don’t stick and makes cleanup easier—because let’s face it, who enjoys scrubbing pans?

Step 2: Mix Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the bars.

Step 3: Add in the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined; this step is crucial because it ensures each bite is deliciously uniform.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ahh, now we’re talking! This step adds that indulgent touch that makes these bars so special.

Step 5: Bake

Spread your dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 18-20 minutes until they’re lightly golden on top and set in the middle. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be hard to resist!

Step 6: Sprinkle with Salt, Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top of the warm bars—it really enhances flavor! Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares. Patience pays off here; they’ll be easier to cut when fully cooled!

Serve these delightful Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars at your next event or keep them handy for an afternoon snack! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Baking these delightful Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Opt for old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats; they provide a chewier texture that complements the bars beautifully.
• Let the Butter Cool Slightly: After melting the butter, allow it to cool for a few minutes before mixing it with eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely and helps achieve a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. The edges should be golden brown while the center remains slightly soft; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’re cooled, ensuring clean cuts and less mess.

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

These bars make for an excellent treat on their own, but there are several ways to present them beautifully at gatherings or enjoy them at home!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top after baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled bars for an elegant touch.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm bars, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits in a glass for a contrasting texture that complements the chewiness of the bars.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the chocolate chip bars perfectly.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors of the bars while providing a cozy treat experience.

Enjoy these scrumptious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars any way you like! Whether as an afternoon snack or dessert at your next gathering, they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, enjoy them throughout the week, or share them with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm bars, microwave for about 15-20 seconds until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-8 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common queries about Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars:

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars?

Yes! While old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture, quick oats can also work fine if you’re looking for a softer bar.

What can I substitute for eggs in Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars?

You can use a flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water or use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

How do I know when my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as it has mine! These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in or sharing them with loved ones, I’m sure you’ll enjoy making these delightful treats. Happy baking!