Heavenly Oat Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Grains, Kid-Friendly, Sweet, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven-baked
Description:
These Heavenly Oat Bars combine the best of three worlds: hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate. This irresistible dessert is perfect for any occasion and works wonderfully as a snack for kids and adults alike. The oat base is chewy and flavorful, while the peanut butter-chocolate topping adds a deliciously smooth finish. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or something to pack in school lunches, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Just remember that the cooking time does not include the time it takes for the bars to cool and set.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Margarine | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Corn syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Oats (rolled) | 3 cups |
| Peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 72.1mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27.8g |
| Fiber | 2.8g |
| Sugars | 10.4g |
| Protein | 5g |
Instructions
-
Mixing the Base:
Begin by combining margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these ingredients together on medium speed until they are smooth and well-blended. -
Add the Oats:
Stir in the oats until evenly distributed, ensuring that the oat mixture is fully incorporated and cohesive. -
Bake the Base:
Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Spread the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. The center of the bars should be just firm when touched, but not completely set yet. -
Cool Slightly:
Allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan after baking. While they are cooling, start preparing the peanut butter-chocolate topping. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir the chocolate chips, and then continue heating for another 1 minute, stirring in between until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. -
Add Peanut Butter:
Stir in the peanut butter into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it’s well combined and smooth. -
Spread the Topping:
Spread the chocolate-peanut butter topping evenly over the warm (but not hot) bars. This will allow the topping to set as the bars cool. -
Cool Completely:
Let the bars cool on a wire rack until they are completely set. Once they have fully cooled, slice them into 24 bars and enjoy!
Notes:
- Storage: Store these oat bars in an airtight container for up to a week for the best freshness.
- Variation: Feel free to add some chopped nuts, raisins, or dried fruit into the oat base for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
These Heavenly Oat Bars are a perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and chewy. They’re great for a lunchbox treat or an afternoon snack, and they’ll disappear just as quickly as you can make them!
