Description
These structurally sound, make-ahead friendly chocolate chip crumble bars feature a buttery shortbread base and a crunchy oat topping. They are perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, and late-night cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for base)
- 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (120g) old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt, mix to combine. Gradually add flour and mix on low until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using fingers or a fork.
- Bake the base alone for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on the counter.
- In the same bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add flour, oats, and salt, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread chocolate chips evenly over the baked base. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the chips without pressing down.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is deep golden brown and edges are bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let cool completely in the pan (at least 45 minutes) before cutting into squares.
- Dust with sea salt flakes if desired before serving.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper texture. Do not skip pre-baking the base to prevent a gummy bottom. Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: chocolate chip crumble bars, lunchbox dessert, easy bars, make ahead dessert, oat bars, shortbread bars, kid-friendly snacks