Ola, can you resist the goodness of chewy oatmeal and chocolate chip bars? I can’t, my kids can’t; so let me share the recipe here with you.
These are real treats packed with oats and chocolate making them a hit with everyone. And versatile, too – you can tweak the recipe to fit different diets and preferences.
Essential Ingredients
Essential ingredients for this chocolate chip oatmeal bar recipe include oats, all-purpose flour, sweeteners, fats, baking soda and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips offer bursts of sweetness and richness. Options include semi-sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and even white chocolate chips. You can mix different types of chocolate chips or add chocolate chunks for variety and texture. A typical recipe might call for about 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Oats
Types of oats to use:
- Rolled Oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats retain much of their texture and nutty flavor, making them a popular choice for oatmeal chocolate chip bars. They provide a chewy texture and take slightly longer to cook than quick oats but offer a satisfying bite.
- Quick Oats: Quick oats are similar to rolled oats but are processed further to cook faster. They are cut into smaller pieces, which decreases the cooking time. Quick oats can be used in oatmeal chocolate chip bars for a smoother texture, although they might not offer the same chewiness as rolled oats.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners such as brown sugar and granulated sugar are used to enhance the flavor and moisture of the bars. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness, while granulated sugar offers a more straightforward sweetness. The combination balances the oats and chocolate chips, creating a deliciously sweet and chewy bar. Ensuring the proper ratio is essential for the desired consistency and taste.
Fats and Oils
Unsalted butter is the preferred choice for its rich flavor and ability to bind ingredients. You can also use vegetable oil or coconut oil. The fats should be combined with wet ingredients like eggs and vanilla extract to form a cohesive dough. This mixture provides an ideal texture once baked to a golden brown finish.
Healthier Alternatives
Oatmeal and chocolate chip bars can be made with healthier alternatives without compromising on taste and texture. By using ingredients like gluten-free flour, natural sweeteners, and vegan substitutes, you can enjoy these treats while adhering to specific dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Flour
When making oatmeal and chocolate chip bars, gluten-free flour is a great substitute for all-purpose flour. Options like almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free baking blend work well and are readily available. Keep in mind that the consistency might vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly for the best texture.
Natural Sweeteners
Substituting natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for granulated sugar or brown sugarcan make your chocolate chip oatmeal bars healthier. Be sure to measure accordingly as natural sweeteners may have varying levels of sweetness and moisture content.
Vegan Options
To create vegan oatmeal and chocolate chip bars, consider using plant-based butter substitutes and flaxseed or chia seed mixtures in place of eggs. Dairy-free chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk alternatives, are perfect for maintaining that rich, chocolatey taste. This adaptation makes the bars suitable for a vegan diet without sacrificing deliciousness.
Dairy-Free Options
For those with dairy sensitivities, making dairy-free oatmeal chocolate chip bars is effortless. Substitute unsalted butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, use dairy-free chocolate chips, which are often available in semi-sweet or dark varieties, to maintain the gooey chocolatey goodness.
Storage for Freshness
To keep oatmeal and chocolate chip bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and retains their chewy texture. For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking them to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing Tips
If you’d like to store the bars for a longer period, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely before wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze oatmeal and chocolate chip bars for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Additional Tips/Ideas
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor of oatmeal and chocolate chip bars requires attention to the balance of ingredients and baking techniques. Begin by correctly measuring dry ingredients like all-purpose flour and oats as this ensures the bars won’t be too dense or too crumbly.
Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips to maintain a balance between bitter and sweet. Consider mixing in chocolate chunks or using milk chocolate chips for a creamier texture contrast.
Using both brown sugar and granulated sugar adds a richer flavor and helps achieve a chewy texture.
Mind baking time. Monitor the bars closely towards the end of the baking period, as they should be golden brown on top and still slightly soft in the center. If necessary, adjust the baking time by a few minutes to account for variations in oven performance.
If the bars come out too dry, reassess the ratio of wet ingredients like unsalted butter or check if the baking time was too long. In cases where the bars are too wet or not holding shape, ensure the mixing bowls aren’t overfilled and the prepared baking dish is of the recommended size.
Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
These chewy oatmeal chocolate chip bars combine hearty oats and rich chocolate chips for a soft, satisfying treat. Easy to make and perfect for snacking, they’re deliciously customizable with your favorite add-ins!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and salt). Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, sugars, egg and vanilla extract – these are your wet ingredients. Mix well until they are smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in rolled oats and chocolate chips ensuring even distribution.
- Spray baking dish with and line it with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure equal thickness.
- Place the dish in the pre-heated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent over-baking, which can make the bars dry or crumbly. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely, which usually takes around 30 minutes. This resting period helps the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut.
- When cooled, carefully remove the bars from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles according to your preference.
