Decadent Double Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Double Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Bars, a delightful treat bursting with rich chocolate flavor and hearty oats. Perfect for making ahead of time, these chewy cookie bars make an excellent snack or dessert for any occasion. Simply store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. This recipe is a family favorite, resonating especially with my girls, who can't resist the combination of chocolate and oats! Enjoy with a glass of milk or as a midday pick-me-up. They also make wonderful gifts, shared with friends and loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14-ounce can)
Unsweetened baking chocolate
4 (ounces)
Vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
Butter
1 (cup, softened)
Brown sugar
1 1/4 (cups, packed)
Vanilla extract
2 (teaspoons)
Baking soda
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
All-purpose flour
2 (cups)
Old-fashioned oats
2 (cups, uncooked)
Miniature M&M baking bits
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 13x9-inch baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil, allowing the edges to extend about 2 inches over the sides to create a handle for easy removal. Lightly coat the foil with nonstick spray.
3
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened baking chocolate. Microwave the mixture on high until steaming hot, about 1-1.5 minutes. Allow it to sit for 1 minute, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until fluffy and well combined.
5
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, beating just until blended. Gently fold in the uncooked old-fashioned oats until the mixture appears crumbly.
6
Press approximately two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
7
Evenly spread the chocolate mixture over the pressed oat layer, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, followed by an even distribution of miniature M&M baking bits.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
9
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the foil handles to lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into 48 bars and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Double Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Bars?
They are a rich and chewy dessert bar featuring a combination of hearty oats and a thick chocolate layer, topped with M&M baking bits.
How many bars does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 bars when cut from a 13x9-inch pan.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of baking pan is required?
A 13x9-inch baking pan is needed for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with aluminum foil, extending it 2 inches over the sides for handles, and lightly coat the foil with nonstick spray.
How do I make the chocolate mixture for the bars?
Microwave sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened baking chocolate on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and thickened.
When do I add the vanilla extract to the chocolate?
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract once the chocolate and milk mixture is fully melted and smooth.
What ingredients are beaten with the butter to make the base?
The softened butter is beaten with packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until fluffy.
What type of oats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked old-fashioned oats.
Do I need to cook the oats before adding them to the dough?
No, the oats should be added to the mixture uncooked.
How much of the oat mixture should be pressed into the bottom of the pan?
Approximately two-thirds of the crumbly oat mixture should be pressed firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
What is the layering order for these bars?
The layers consist of the bottom oat crust, followed by the chocolate mixture, then the remaining oat mixture, and finally the M&M baking bits.
What kind of M&Ms are used for the topping?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of miniature M&M baking bits.
How long do the Bliss Bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top is lightly browned.
Will the bars be firm immediately after baking?
No, the bars will continue to set and firm up as they cool.
How should I cool the bars?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan while resting on a wire rack.
How do I easily remove the bars from the pan for cutting?
Use the overhanging foil handles to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
What is the best way to store these oatmeal bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with wax paper between layers.
How long will the bars stay fresh at room temperature?
They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Decadent Double Chocolate Oatmeal Bliss Bars?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe suitable for making in advance?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time as they store and freeze well.
What kind of chocolate is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses unsweetened baking chocolate and miniature M&M baking bits.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How do I ensure the flour is well incorporated?
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, beating just until blended to avoid over-mixing.
What should the consistency of the oat mixture be before pressing?
The mixture should appear crumbly before it is pressed into the pan.
Can I use regular chocolate milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
No, the recipe specifically requires sweetened condensed milk to achieve the correct thickened chocolate texture.
What makes these bars a 'family favorite'?
The combination of rich chocolate and hearty oats makes them a hit with both children and adults.
How should I serve these bars?
They can be enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up, a dessert, or shared as a gift with a glass of milk.
What is the total amount of vanilla extract used in the whole recipe?
A total of 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract is used (1 tsp in the chocolate and 2 tsp in the oat mixture).