Decadent Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Bars
These Decadent Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Bars are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers seeking a chewy and satisfying dessert. Made in a single bowl for easy preparation, these delicious bars are packed with hearty oats and luscious dark chocolate, giving you that delightful balance of rich flavors with a hint of healthiness. Whether you're enjoying them as an after-school snack, a sweet addition to your work lunch, or a midnight indulgence, these sweet treats are sure to please everyone. Ideal for sharing or as a quick sweet fix at home, with a texture that's perfectly chewy and edges that are beautifully crisp, you'll find them hard to resist. Impress your family and friends with these simple yet scrumptious bars that can be made in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 lb (softened)
packed brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
white sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
eggs
2 (large)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
regular oats
3 cups (not instant)
dark chocolate, chopped coarsely
10-14 ounces (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare two 9x9-inch square baking pans or one 15x10-inch jelly-roll pan by leaving them ungreased.
2
In a large mixing bowl, soften the unsalted butter in the microwave for a few seconds; it should be very soft but not entirely melted.
3
Using a sturdy spoon, mix in the packed brown sugar and white sugar until well combined.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating until the mixture is smooth after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5
Combine the baking soda and salt into the mixture, followed by the flour; mix until just blended. Take care not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the oats and chopped dark chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7
Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared baking pans, using the back of the spoon to lightly spread the dough. Ensure the edges and corners are a little higher than the center for even baking.
8
Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden-brown and the center is set. Keep in mind that the bars will darken more than golden brown due to the brown sugar.
9
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into generous squares or rectangles for serving.
10
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Although they can last a few days, share them with friends or family to avoid them drying out.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Bars?
They are chewy and satisfying dessert bars packed with hearty oats and luscious dark chocolate, featuring crisp edges and a soft center.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
What size baking pans are required?
You can use two 9x9-inch square baking pans or one 15x10-inch jelly-roll pan.
Should I grease the baking pans?
No, the instructions specify to leave the baking pans ungreased.
How much butter does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of unsalted butter.
How should the butter be prepared?
The butter should be softened in the microwave for a few seconds until it is very soft but not entirely melted.
What types of sugar are used in these bars?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 2 large eggs for this recipe.
What kind of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Can I use instant oats for this recipe?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of regular oats and notes they should not be instant.
How much flour is included?
The recipe requires 1 cup of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted.
What type of chocolate is used?
Use 10-14 ounces of dark chocolate that has been chopped coarsely.
Is this a one-bowl recipe?
Yes, these bars are made in a single large mixing bowl for easy preparation.
How should I mix the flour into the dough?
Combine the baking soda, salt, and flour into the mixture and mix until just blended, taking care not to overmix.
When do I add the oats and chocolate?
Gently fold in the oats and chopped dark chocolate after the flour mixture is just blended.
How do I spread the dough in the pan?
Spoon the dough into the pans and use the back of a spoon to spread it, ensuring edges and corners are slightly higher than the center.
Why should the edges of the dough be higher than the center?
Raising the edges and corners slightly higher than the center helps ensure even baking.
How long do the oatmeal bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 17-20 minutes in the middle rack of the oven.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden-brown and the center is set.
Why do the bars look darker than a typical golden brown?
The bars will darken more than usual golden brown due to the inclusion of brown sugar.
Should I cut the bars while they are warm?
No, you should allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them.
What is the best way to store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
They can last a few days, though it is recommended to share them so they do not dry out.
What is the texture of these bars?
The texture is perfectly chewy with beautifully crisp edges.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sifted baking soda.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
Can these be served as a school snack?
Yes, they are ideal as an after-school snack or a sweet addition to a work lunch.
Are these bars suitable for chocolate lovers?
Absolutely, they are packed with 10-14 ounces of chopped dark chocolate chunks.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can I make these bars quickly?
Yes, they are simple to prepare in one bowl and bake in under 20 minutes.