The Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort dessert! These incredible oatmeal bars boast a chewy, buttery base bursting with rich brown sugar and hearty oat flavor. We then smother them in a decadent layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate and a generous sprinkle of crunchy walnuts. They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience! Perfect for an afternoon snack, a potluck showstopper, or beautifully wrapped as a thoughtful holiday gift.
Ingredients
• MAKES 24 BARS
• 1 cup / 2 sticks butter, softened
• ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats, non-instant
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour, or ½ cup whole wheat flour and ½ cup unbleached white flour
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts, not ground
• 1 ½ cups / 9 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 12 x 7 x 2-inch pan. If using a glass pan, preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the oats, flour, and half of the walnuts. Beat just until blended; do not overwork the dough. You may need to finish this step by hand.
4. With a rubber spatula or your fingers, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until it is a rich golden color.
5. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle on the chocolate chips. Return to the oven for 3 minutes, or until they are soft. With a spatula, spread the chocolate evenly over the surface. Sprinkle on the remaining nuts and press them lightly into the surface.
6. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then chill for 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm but not hard. Cut into 24 bars and serve. Store in a tightly covered tin.
Nutritional Information
• Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 60mg | Sugar: 12g (This is an estimate and may vary).
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Oatmeal Bars
• For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before chopping and adding them to the recipe.
• To get perfectly clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. This prevents the chocolate from cracking and smearing.
• Don’t overbake the base. It should be golden brown at the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you remove it from the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
• Feel free to customize! Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds, or use butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these chocolate oatmeal bars vegan
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Use a plant-based butter substitute in a 1:1 ratio for the dairy butter. To replace the egg yolk, you can use 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial vegan egg replacer. Finally, ensure you use dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Q: Are these vegetarian oatmeal bars a good source of protein
A: These bars provide about 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving, primarily from the whole grains, oats, and walnuts. To increase the protein content, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the base, or swapping the walnuts for almonds.
Q: How should I store these vegetarian oatmeal bars to keep them fresh
A: Store the bars in a tightly covered tin or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months; just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
