Milky Way Bars
Chewy, chocolatey bars with a crunchy oatmeal base and rich milk chocolate topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, oatmeal, butter, salt, soda, brown sugar, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Pat 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan to form a crust.
- Melt condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter together until smooth.
- Pour the melted mixture over the crust layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining dry mixture evenly on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you're out of brown sugar, a mix of white sugar with a tad of molasses can be an effective substitute. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for extra warmth. To make this recipe a bit healthier, you could use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
These Milky Way Bars are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For a delightful afternoon treat, consider serving them alongside a slice of Apple-Raisin Cake (Sugarless) or a batch of Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Milky Way Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature to restore their gooey texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Milky Way Bars contains roughly 521 calories, with 6g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of chocolate for this recipe?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste. If you prefer a sweeter treat, try adding a mix of both milk and dark chocolate.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you don't have sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own by simmering 1 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of sugar until it thickens. Alternatively, evaporated milk mixed with sugar can also serve as a substitute, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Milky Way Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. This makes them a great option for parties or gatherings, as they can be prepared ahead of time.
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).