Description
These dense, fudgy, and chewy oatmeal bars are made with just five simple ingredients: butter, brown sugar, oats, chocolate chips, and vanilla. They require only one bowl and one pan, making them an easy, quick dessert ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- Place butter and brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved into a smooth mixture.
- Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla extract and salt. Add oats and stir vigorously until every oat is coated.
- Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top later.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly into the corners using a greased spatula or greased fingers.
- Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center looks set but slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for 15 minutes after cooling.
- Lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Notes
Do not use instant oats as they will turn to mush; old-fashioned rolled oats are required for the correct chewy texture. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Do not overbake, as the bars continue to cook in residual heat and will become dry if baked too long. For best results, cool completely before cutting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: chewy oatmeal bars, easy dessert, 5 ingredient recipe, chocolate oat bars, no flour dessert, one bowl dessert, quick treats