M&M Bars
Chewy, nutty M&M bars with a buttery oat crust, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix together oats, flour, nuts, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt; add melted butter, mixing well.
- Pour three-quarters of this mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before adding M&M candies (not included in ingredients).
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. You can substitute coconut oil for shortening, and if you want a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. For a chocolatey twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. To enhance flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These M&M Bars are perfect for parties, as they can be cut into bite-sized pieces. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, or pair with a glass of milk for a nostalgic treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with Deep Dish Apple Crisp 'Williams Sonoma' for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until soft, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of M&M Bars contains roughly 47 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% 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 different types of chocolate candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap M&Ms with your favorite chocolate candies, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or even chopped chocolate bars. Just keep in mind that the amount might need to be adjusted slightly based on the size and sweetness of the candies you choose.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free M&M Bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
What can I add to customize the flavor?
You can easily customize your M&M Bars by adding different mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For an extra crunch, consider adding crushed pretzels or graham crackers to the mixture. This versatility allows you to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
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).