Oatmeal Brownies are the perfect mix of rich chocolate flavor and hearty oats. They’re chewy, satisfying, and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a family treat or just craving something sweet, this recipe gives you a brownie that’s a little wholesome and a whole lot delicious.
Why We Love This Oatmeal Brownies Recipe
You might wonder what makes oatmeal brownies so special compared to regular brownies. The answer lies in their unique blend of textures and flavors. The oats add a chewy, hearty quality that complements the rich chocolate nicely, creating a perfect balance. Additionally, they’re an excellent way to introduce a more wholesome ingredient into your dessert without sacrificing taste. These brownies are versatile, great for any occasion, and sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
Ingredients About Oatmeal Brownies
Creating scrumptious oatmeal brownies requires a straightforward set of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Old Fashioned Oats: 2 1/2 cups
- Flour: 3/4 cup (plus an additional 1 1/4 cup for the chocolate mixture)
- Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup, packed
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup, melted
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsweetened Chocolate: 4 oz
- Vegetable Shortening: 3/4 cup
- Sugar: 2 cups
- Eggs: 4, at room temperature
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Chocolate Extract: 1 teaspoon
This blend of ingredients not only ensures rich flavors but also guarantees a texture that’s both chewy and soft.
How to Make Oatmeal Brownies Directions
Now that you have your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the steps for creating these mouthwatering oatmeal brownies.
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to achieve the perfect brownie texture. Line a 9″x13″ baking pan with foil and grease it to prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir until they are mixed well. Next, pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients come together. Reserve a 3/4 cup of this oat mixture for later.
Press Mixture: Gently press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will serve as the brownie crust. Bake it in your preheated oven for 10 minutes to set.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the additional flour, baking powder, and salt. You’ll add this to the brownie batter shortly.
Melt Chocolate: In a separate saucepan, melt the unsweetened chocolate and vegetable shortening over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once melted, remove it from heat, and add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chocolate extract. Stir to combine the mixture smoothly.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Next, gradually fold the dry mixture into the chocolate blend until fully combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a gentle fold will maintain that fudgy texture.
Combine Layers: Pour the chocolate batter over the baked oat crust and spread it evenly. Now, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top, distributing it evenly across the surface.
Final Bake: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. When you’re ready, cut them into squares as desired. To maintain freshness, store them tightly sealed for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
With this guiding hand, you are well on your way to crafting a tray of delicious oatmeal brownies that everyone will adore.
How to Serve Oatmeal Brownies
Serving oatmeal brownies can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. They are delightful served warm, allowing the rich chocolate flavor to envelop your senses. For an extra touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The warmth of the brownies with the cold, creamy texture of ice cream creates a heavenly contrast that’s hard to resist. If you prefer a more rustic look, simply cut them into squares and serve on a wooden platter for a homely vibe. No matter how you choose to serve your brownies, they are sure to disappear quickly!
Expert Tips: Oatmeal Brownies
Use Room Temperature Eggs: Bring your eggs to room temperature before they go into the mix. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, creating a smoother texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your brownies while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, which aren’t nearly as enjoyable.
Let Them Cool: Be patient and let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This will ensure they hold their shape better and provide a cleaner cut.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: While the basic oatmeal brownie is delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment. Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to enhance the flavors and textures.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate’s flavor plays a crucial role in the overall taste of your brownies. Choosing a good quality chocolate can elevate your recipe significantly.
Following these expert tips will ensure your oatmeal brownies turn out perfectly every time.
How to Store Oatmeal Brownies
To keep your oatmeal brownies fresh and delicious, store them properly. Once they have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, layer parchment paper between the brownies to prevent them from sticking together.
If you want to extend their shelf life, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Variation of Oatmeal Brownies
One of the joys of baking oatmeal brownies is the ease with which you can modify the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might consider:
Nutty Oatmeal Brownies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a healthy twist.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries, raisins, or cherries for a sweet-tart contrast to the chocolate.
Double Chocolate: For serious chocolate lovers, try adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter for an even richer flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Create a glorious combination of chocolate and peanut butter by swirled-in peanut butter or nut butter in the brownie batter before baking.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, fragrant touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
These variations allow you to get creative, turning a simple oatmeal brownie into a whole series of delightful treats.
FAQs About Oatmeal Brownies
Can I substitute the flour in the oatmeal brownies recipe?
Yes, if you want a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned oats for this recipe. Quick oats will absorb moisture differently and could change the texture of the brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Test with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Just be cautious not to wait until it’s completely dry, as that can lead to overbaking.
Are these brownies chewy or cakey?
These oatmeal brownies offer a chewy texture thanks to the oats and the balance of chocolate. They fall somewhere between the two, satisfying those who enjoy both styles.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy when you’re ready.
Oatmeal Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 8×8 Baking Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Stir in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in oats and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!