Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly combines chewy oats with the rich sweetness of chocolate, look no further than these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars. They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for an afternoon snack, a lunchbox treat, or a cozy dessert after dinner. With a warm, gooey center and a slight crunch on the edges, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make with minimal cleanup, which makes them even more appealing. Let’s dive into why this recipe works and how you can whip up a batch today!
Why This Recipe Works
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are not your average dessert. The combination of old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a texture that is both chewy and satisfying. The use of brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the granulated sugar helps achieve that perfect balance of sweetness. The addition of an egg and an extra yolk gives these bars a moisture that makes them irresistibly soft. The sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavor profile, making every bite a little more exciting. Simple ingredients combine to create a magical treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 3/4 cup butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on bars
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing Bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to perfect bars.
- Spatula – Great for folding in the chocolate chips and oats.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan – This size will help you achieve the ideal thickness.
- Parchment Paper – For easy removal and cleanup.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars bake evenly and come out with the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut-up butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Step 7: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt across the top of the batter. This will enhance the flavors and give a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Nutty Variations: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Fruit Additions: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
- Different Chocolate: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor kick.
Insider Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor in your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars.
- Don’t skip the flaky sea salt—its contrast to the sweetness is what makes these bars truly special.
- For softer bars, slightly underbake them; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges and squares.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are perfect for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove a bar and let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
Ask & Learn
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use quick oats, be aware that the texture of the bars will be different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture that complements the chocolate nicely.
What can I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars turn out crumbly, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture. Next time, try reducing the baking time or adding a bit more butter or egg to the mixture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Before You Go
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of oats and chocolate. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious bars ready to enjoy in no time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these scrumptious bars. Happy baking!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut-up butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the oats and chocolate chips gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the flaky sea salt for contrast in sweetness.
- For softer bars, slightly underbake them.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
