These Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a delicious treat to enjoy year-round, these bars are sure to be a hit. The best part? They can be made ahead and frozen, so you always have a sweet snack ready to go. Just thaw for 10 minutes before serving, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them!
Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a rich, satisfying dessert that combines the nutty texture of oats with the smooth creaminess of chocolate. The layers of buttery oats and melted chocolate create a perfect balance of flavors, making them irresistible. These bars are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and can be stored for weeks in the freezer—ideal for holiday baking or meal prepping.
Ingredients
To make these delicious bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for sweetness and chewiness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor)
- 3 cups rolled oats (for texture and crunch)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (rich chocolate flavor)
- ½ cup peanut butter (adds creaminess and enhances flavor)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Oatmeal Bars:
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Oat Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats and mix until well combined.
- Create the First Layer
- Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Make the Chocolate Filling
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Layer the Chocolate
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oat layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Final Oat Layer
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to adhere.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top layer.
- Bake the Bars
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Cut
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
- Freezing Instructions
- To freeze, place the bars in an airtight container and store in the freezer.
- When ready to eat, thaw for 10 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
✔ Perfect for Holidays – A crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and store for weeks.
✔ Rich & Chocolatey – The perfect balance of sweet and crunchy.
These Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are guaranteed to be a favorite! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, they’re easy, delicious, and satisfying. Enjoy! 😊🍫✨