Elaine Bram'S Oatmeal Bars
Rich and gooey oatmeal bars with chocolate and butterscotch chips, layered with a crumb topping. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for parties or snack time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, salt, and vanilla in a double boiler until smooth.
- Mix all other ingredients together into a crumb mixture.
- Sprinkle 2/3 of the crumb mixture on the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch cake pan.
- Pat down the crumb layer firmly.
- Pour the melted mixture over the crumb layer.
- Add the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Pat down the top layer gently.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also substitute half the shortening with applesauce for a slightly healthier option. Make sure to mix the crumb ingredients until just combined to avoid a tough texture. If you want a nutty flavor, add 1 cup of chopped nuts to the crumb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal bars are delicious on their own but can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a slice of Aunt Marie's Zucchini Bread for a delightful snack platter.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elaine Bram'S Oatmeal Bars contains roughly 452 calories, with 8g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chips in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or flavored chips, such as peanut butter or white chocolate. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness may vary depending on your choice, so adjust accordingly.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars are crumbly, it may be due to overmixing the crumb mixture or not enough moisture. Ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately. Adding a touch more melted shortening or a bit of milk can help bind the mixture better.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten. Just check other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).