Oatmeal Chocolate Bars
Oatmeal Chocolate Bars are rich, chewy treats combining the hearty texture of oats with luscious chocolate and a hint of nuttiness. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings, they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour, oatmeal, salt, and soda to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter or margarine together.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into a greased jellyroll pan.
- Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the dough in the pan.
- Mix chopped nuts into the remaining one-third of the dough if desired.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the chocolate layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free option, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds. Ensure the chocolate mixture is not too hot when spreading it over the dough to avoid melting the bottom layer. You can also try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spicy note.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal chocolate bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack and pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a treat for gatherings, alongside other baked goods like Choco-Nut Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover oatmeal chocolate bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm. This will revive the chewy texture, making them just as delightful as when they were freshly baked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Chocolate Bars contains roughly 447 calories, with 8g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% 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 rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats in place of quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats will result in a chewier bar. If using rolled oats, consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer to avoid shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will add a nice flavor, but using butter will yield a richer taste while coconut oil will make the bars dairy-free.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These oatmeal chocolate bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick warm-up.
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).