If you’re on the lookout for a homemade treat that brilliantly balances chewy oats with gooey chocolate, the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars offer that perfect mix of buttery richness, comforting oats, and melty chocolate chips baked into a golden tray that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking a few for yourself, this recipe is super simple to follow and guarantees a scrumptiously satisfying result every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the foundation of the spectacular texture and flavor in the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe. Each component is simple but plays a crucial role in making these bars irresistible—from the creamy butter to the hearty oats and chocolate chips that bring everything together.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened for easy mixing and provides rich moisture to the bars.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds a deep molasses sweetness and keeps the bars chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness with a little crispness in the crust.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure and ensures the bars hold their shape.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps create a gentle rise, making the bars tender.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without being salty.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Key to the hearty and chewy texture we all love.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient that melts into little pockets of chocolatey bliss.
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and ensure easy removal of the bars later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air so your bars turn out tender and perfectly chewy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, promising chewy texture and chocolate pockets in every bite.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the edges look set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars stand beautifully on their own, but adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate them to a new level. For a fancy touch, top with a few extra chocolate chips right after baking so they melt slightly but still hold their shape.
Side Dishes
While Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a substantial snack, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. A warm cup of coffee or milk is all you really need for a delightful treat break.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a decorative platter sprinkled with mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with baker’s twine makes for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the bars have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and chewy so you can enjoy them anytime.
Freezing
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
If you like your bars warm, microwave them for about 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This melts the chocolate chips slightly and brings out that fresh-baked feeling all over again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewy texture and hold up better during baking, giving those bars their signature hearty bite.
Is it possible to substitute the butter with a healthier fat?
Butter is key to the rich flavor and texture, but you can try coconut oil for a different twist. Keep in mind it may slightly alter the taste and crumb of your bars.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and complement both the oats and chocolate chips perfectly. Fold in about 1 cup along with the chocolate chips.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should have a golden brown top and edges that look set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. The center might seem a little soft but will firm up as it cools.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and bake the batter in a larger pan, or two pans of the same size. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may need a minute or two longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip bars that fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and fresh-baked goodness. The Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is a trusty classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, easy enough for a weekday treat yet special enough for sharing on any occasion. So grab your ingredients and dive into the joy of baking these delightful bars—your sweet tooth will thank you!
Print
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. These bars combine the wholesome texture of rolled oats with rich semisweet chocolate chips, baked to golden perfection in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add aromatic flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in oats and chocolate chips: Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for texture and bursts of chocolate.
- Spread the batter: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges look set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares to ensure they hold their shape.
Notes
- You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips as preferred.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best creaming results.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats and flour blend.
