There’s a special place in the heart of many dessert lovers for oatmeal chocolate chip bars. These delightful treats combine the wholesome goodness of oatmeal with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate chips, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you need a quick snack for a road trip, a dessert for a gathering, or just something sweet for a cozy evening at home, you’ll find that these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Deliciously chewy, infused with warm spices, and studded with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips, oatmeal chocolate chip bars are a treat that resonates with both young and old alike.
Why We Love Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
One of the best things about oatmeal chocolate chip bars is their versatility. These bars make for a delightful breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon snack, or a sweet finish to a hearty meal. Moreover, they are super easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that is sure to impress. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a hint of nutrition from the oats, making them a slightly guilt-free indulgence.
The combination of textures is another reason to love this recipe. You’ll enjoy the soft chewiness of the oats mixed with the creamy richness of the chocolate chips. Plus, with a hint of cinnamon to elevate the flavors, every bite is a little celebration.
Ingredients About Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
To create your oatmeal chocolate chip bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cook oats
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of unforgettable bars!
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Directions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the simple process of making these oatmeal chocolate chip bars. Follow these steps for a foolproof batch every time:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This will ensure that your bars come out easily after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients allows the leavening agent (baking soda) to be evenly distributed, contributing to a better texture.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, take the softened unsalted butter and beat it together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix vigorously until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the batter, which contributes to the bars’ texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is combined thoroughly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your butter and sugar blend. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of your bars.
- Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the quick-cook oats and chocolate chips. This step is essential. You want those chocolate chips to be well-distributed throughout the batter, but without breaking them.
- Transfer to Pan: Using a spatula, press the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the pan. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just ensure a uniform thickness.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the edges become golden brown. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
- Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan. After a sufficient cooling period, cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy them warm or store them for later.
How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Serving your oatmeal chocolate chip bars is incredibly easy. They can be enjoyed warm right from the oven or stored for later enjoyment. For a delightful twist, consider serving these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm bars with cold ice cream is absolutely unbeatable!
For a more casual setting, pack a few bars for a picnic or a day at the park. They are perfectly portable and packable, making them a great snack for on-the-go situations. You can even sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance if you wish to serve them on special occasions.
Expert Tips: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Making perfect oatmeal chocolate chip bars can be achieved with a few expert tips:
- Use Quality Butter: The type of butter you use can significantly affect the flavor. Opt for high-quality unsalted butter for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Spice: The cinnamon adds a warm, inviting flavor to your bars. Don’t be tempted to leave it out; it’s key to the overall taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing your batter can lead to tough bars.
- Allow Cooling: While it’s tempting to dig right into the freshly baked bars, allowing them to cool will help them set properly, making them easier to cut and more enjoyable to eat.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to explore different types of chocolate chips or add-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or even shredded coconut to customize your bars to your taste.
How to Store Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
If you find yourself with leftover bars (although it’s hard not to finish them all!), storing them properly will keep them fresh for days. Place your cooled bars in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. They will last up to two weeks.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
While the classic oatmeal chocolate chip bars are a favorite, there are numerous ways to switch up the recipe to keep things exciting:
- Nut Variations: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. These nuts complement the flavors beautifully and add a satisfying texture.
- Dried Fruit: Consider folding in some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots. This twist will add natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Nut Butter Swirls: Try swirling peanut butter or almond butter into the batter before baking for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey twist, substitute a portion of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder to create chocolate oatmeal bars.
- Spice Infusions: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a seasonal variation that adds a unique flavor profile.
FAQ
What are oatmeal chocolate chip bars?
Oatmeal chocolate chip bars are a delightful baked treat that combines oats and chocolate chips to create a chewy, sweet dessert option. They can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert and are easy to make with simple ingredients.
How do I know when my oatmeal chocolate chip bars are done?
Your bars are ready when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make oatmeal chocolate chip bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure to use certified gluten-free oats.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze them for longer storage.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor
Wet Ingredients
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality butter
- 0.75 cups packed brown sugar For a deeper flavor
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs Room temperature preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 3 cups quick-cook oats Essential for texture
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips Can substitute with dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar blend and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the quick-cook oats and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Press the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the pan.
Baking
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares or rectangles.
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