Imagine a dessert so irresistible that it could make even the legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett pause his adventurous journey for a bite. These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are not just a recipe; they're a delectable slice of American culinary history that combines the hearty comfort of oats with the decadent allure of chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced between chewy and crisp, these bars are about to become your new obsession – a treat so good, it might just become the talk of your kitchen and beyond!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars will bake evenly and achieve a nice golden color.
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make for easier removal once they are baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the bars to set properly.
- After cooling, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. You should be able to get about 16 servings from this recipe.
- Serve the oatmeal chocolate chip bars warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This helps create the perfect creamy base for your bars.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Try using a mix of milk, dark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a more complex flavor profile.
- Storage Tip: These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected sweet cravings.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
- Even Baking: Use a light-colored metal baking pan for the most consistent baking results, and rotate the pan halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
