Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Dream Bars

Recipe Introduction: Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Dream Bars

Fancy a proper treat? Ever crave something that's both comforting and kinda healthy ish? These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are just the ticket! Honestly, these might be the best bake I’ve had!

A Little History & Why You'll Love Them

These aren’t just any homemade oatmeal bars . They are a yummy cross between a hearty oatmeal cookie and a decadent chocolate chip bar.

This easy oatmeal bar recipe creates about 16 squares of deliciousness. Perfect for sharing... or not!

Benefit Time: Goodness in Every Bite

Oatmeal means fibre, right? So, we can almost call these a health food! They’re also the perfect lunchbox snack bars , trust me.

Imagine opening your lunchbox to find a square of this goodness! Plus, they're simple to make and so much better than shop bought ones.

Ready to get baking? Right, let’s have a look at what you’ll need!

Let's Get This Bake On!

Right then, let's talk ingredients and kit for these killer Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars . Trust me, this easy oatmeal bar recipe is foolproof.

You won't need any fancy gadgets, promise! Think of it as upgrading your usual biscuit break.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you'll need to make about 16 squares of these Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Squares . I've got you covered with both US and metric measurements, so no excuses.

• Softened Unsalted Butter: 1 cup ( 2 sticks / 227g ). The butter must be soft, you know? Not melted, soft!
• Packed Light Brown Sugar: ¾ cup ( 150g ) . Adds a lovely, caramelly vibe.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup ( 100g ).
• Large Eggs: 2 . Free range if you're feeling fancy.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Don't skimp on this! It adds so much.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups ( 192g ).
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 3 cups ( 240g ). The chunky kind, not instant.
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup ( 170g ). Go wild here!

Top tip? Use the best chocolate chips you can get your hands on. It makes a difference.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (or at Least Your Bars!)

Honestly, this recipe is pretty straightforward. We're not messing about with complicated spice blends. A good vanilla extract is your best friend here.

Flaky sea salt is your secret weapon for these Chewy Oatmeal Bars . Trust me!

Want to mix it up? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg would be lush.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

No need to raid a professional bakery for this Oatmeal Bar recipe. Here's what you'll actually need:

• A 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Mixing bowls.
• An electric mixer (hand or stand whatever you've got!).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A rubber spatula.
• Parchment paper (optional, but it makes life so much easier).

If you don't have parchment paper, just grease and flour the pan. Sorted! These Homemade Oatmeal Bars are fab as a lunchbox snack bars , so its worth perfecting.

Or maybe you could use a sprinkle of Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip .

Let's Get Baking: Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Dream Bars

Right then, fancy a bit of baking? Today, we're tackling Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars . These aren’t just any old Oatmeal Bar .

They're more like a cross between a super comforting oatmeal cookie and a decadent chocolate slice. Honestly, they're epic, and make the perfect Lunchbox snack bars!

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place!

Before we dive in, let’s get our ducks in a row. This is essential mise en place , you know? It’s all about getting everything prepped.

Soften 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) of butter. Get your ¾ cup (150g) of brown sugar and ½ cup (100g) of white sugar ready.

Crack those 2 eggs into a bowl. Basically, have all your ingredients measured and waiting. Trust me, it’s a time saver.

Oh, and preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Don't forget!

step-by-step: Bar-Making Bonanza

Here's how we turn simple ingredients into magical Chewy oatmeal bars :

1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Whisk together 1 ½ cups (192g) of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
4. Gradually add the dry to the wet. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in 3 cups (240g) of rolled oats.
6. Press half the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup (170g) of chocolate chips evenly.
8. Crumble the remaining mixture over the chocolate chips.

Bake for 25- 30 minutes . The edges should be golden brown. Let them cool completely before cutting.

Pro Tips: Secret Baker's Business

• Don't overmix the dough. Honestly, this is a must! Overmixing equals tough bars.
• Room temperature butter is your friend. Trust me on this.
• For extra flavour? Add a sprinkle of sea salt. It really brings out the chocolate!
• Avoid cutting into the bars when they are still warm; they’ll be too crumbly.

I've made these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars so many times for friends and family. They’re a hit every time! Once, I accidentally added peanut butter and created Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip bars.

You know, mistakes can lead to amazing discoveries! So give them a go, and remember, baking should be fun. Enjoy the process! You'll have Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars , Or call them Chocolate chip oatmeal squares if you cut in that way.

Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Right then, you've got the recipe for these epic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars . But before you get stuck in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your baking life easier.

These aren't just any Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars ; these are your bars, and we're going to make them perfect!

How to Serve Up Those Chewy oatmeal bars Like a Pro

These Oatmeal Bars are proper versatile.

• Plating & Presentation Ideas: Slice 'em up into neat squares. Or, if you're feeling fancy, use a cookie cutter for fun shapes. A little dusting of icing sugar never hurts either. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A cuppa is essential, obviously. Coffee or tea works a treat. Milk is great. If you are after something boozy? I would go with a sweet dessert wine or even a cheeky Baileys.

Storage Secrets for the Best Homemade oatmeal bars

Honestly, they probably won't last long. But if you have leftovers...

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep for up to 4 days. The fridge will help to keep the Chocolate chip oatmeal squares fresh..
• Freezing Options: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag. They'll be good for up to 2 months. This is great for having easy Lunchbox snack bars .
• Reheating Instructions: If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature. You can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds if you want that gooey chocolate experience.

Mix It Up: Variations for Your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Fancy putting your own spin on these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars ?

• Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Easy peasy.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, try adding a pinch of cinnamon and some chopped apples. For Christmas, how about some cranberries and orange zest? Adding a touch of Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip could be a fun twist too.

Baking with oats : The Healthy(ish) Bit

Let's be real, they are still a treat. But, here is the breakdown for the nutrition.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Each bar has roughly 250 calories, 4g protein, 12g fat, 32g carbs, 15g sugar, and 2g fiber.
• Key Health Benefits: Oats are a good source of fiber, which is great for your gut. Plus, they're slow releasing energy, so you won't get that sugar crash.

So there you have it. All the tips and tricks to make the most amazing Easy oatmeal bar recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own! Get Baking with oats , and you'll be amazed at what you can create!