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These oat and chocolate chunk bars are the ultimate homemade comfort treat for any sweet tooth or family get-together. Every bite of the chewy oats and gooey chocolate creates a small burst of joy, which explains why they vanish within 24 hours at my place.
I first whipped these up one lazy Sunday when my little ones wanted "something warm and chocolatey." Since then, they've requested them specifically and can't wait to help scoop the oats when we bake.
Round Up Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: provides the foundation and chewiness, try to grab unbleached for better results
- Baking soda: gives that perfect gentle lift, just make sure it hasn't expired
- Salt: cuts through sweetness and enhances chocolate flavors, fine table salt works great
- Cinnamon: adds subtle warmth that works wonderfully with oats, regular grocery store cinnamon is fine
- Unsalted butter: delivers richness throughout, make sure it's softened before mixing
- Brown sugar: brings moisture and hints of molasses, press it firmly when measuring
- Granulated sugar: creates those tasty crispy edges, any standard white sugar will do
- Eggs: hold everything together nicely, regular large eggs work perfectly
- Vanilla extract: deepens all the flavors, especially the chocolate, real vanilla makes a difference
- Quick cook oats: offer that signature hearty texture, though traditional rolled oats can add extra chew
- Milk chocolate chips: melt into delicious pockets throughout, pick your favorite brand for best taste
How to Make It
- Preheat and Prep:
- Warm your oven to three hundred fifty degrees and lightly spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with cooking spray. Don't forget the edges to make removal easier.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl of medium size, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon with a whisk until everything looks evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- Using a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter with both sugars for about three minutes. You want it looking light and fluffy to make sure your bars turn out tender.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
- Drop in eggs one after another, mixing well between each. Pour in vanilla and beat again. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides so everything mixes properly.
- Combine Dry with Wet:
- Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until barely combined to keep the dough from getting tough.
- Stir in Oats and Chocolate:
- Add your oats and chocolate chips to the bowl. Use a strong spatula to fold everything together until you can't see any flour spots.
- Spread and Bake:
- Scoop your thick mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or clean fingers to push it into an even layer, making sure to reach the corners. Bake for thirty to forty five minutes until you see golden edges while the middle still looks slightly soft.
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow bars to cool fully in the pan before cutting them so they won't fall apart when served.
The warm sweetness of milk chocolate chunks makes these bars irresistible. I love watching my kids push extra chips into the top and sneakily taste bits of dough when we make these together on cool weekend afternoons.
Flavor Boosters
Always let your bars cool completely before wrapping them up. They'll dry out if left uncovered, so store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temp. For longer storage, put them in the freezer first as a single layer, then stack them between sheets of parchment in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Serving Suggestions
Dish them up as squares with a glass of cold milk for kids after school. Warm a piece and top with vanilla ice cream for a fancy dessert. Break up smaller pieces over some Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries for a breakfast treat.
Creative Twists
Try dark or semisweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate for more intensity. Add some toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you can't have dairy, go with plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy chocolate chunks.
These treats never fail to please at parties and brighten ordinary days. Share them with your friends or hide a few for yourself as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of oats works best for these bars?
Quick cook oats work wonderfully, though regular old fashioned oats can work too if you want more texture.
- → Can these bars be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can make them a few days early and keep them in a sealed container for up to four days.
- → What can I use instead of milk chocolate chips?
Try semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor experience.
- → Can butter be replaced with another fat?
Unsalted butter gives the best taste, but you can try margarine or plant-based options if you need to.
- → How do I prevent the bars from becoming dry?
Watch your baking time carefully and be sure to measure your flour and oats correctly.