Oatmeal Chocolate Goodness Bars: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Oatmeal chocolate goodness bars are the perfect treat: chewy, chocolatey, and packed with healthy oats. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are incredibly satisfying. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a lunchbox snack, or a comforting dessert, these bars are a fantastic choice. This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into the delicious world of oatmeal chocolate goodness bars!
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Chocolate Goodness Bars
* **Easy to make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or spices.
* **Healthy-ish:** While they are a treat, the oats provide fiber and the dark chocolate offers antioxidants.
* **Perfect for on-the-go:** These bars are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, and they travel well.
* **Freezer-friendly:** Make a batch and freeze them for future enjoyment.
* **Crowd-pleaser:** Everyone loves the combination of oats and chocolate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Oats:** 3 cups of rolled oats (old-fashioned oats are best; avoid instant oats)
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup (can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend)
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed (light or dark brown sugar works)
* **Granulated Sugar:** ½ cup
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** ½ teaspoon
* **Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted, melted
* **Eggs:** 2 large
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Chocolate Chips:** 1 ½ cups (milk, semi-sweet, or dark – your preference!)
* **Optional Add-ins:** ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Equipment Needed
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk or fork
* Rubber spatula
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create perfect oatmeal chocolate goodness bars.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Parchment paper is highly recommended as it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
* Whisk together until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps of brown sugar or baking soda.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
* In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Let it cool slightly.
* Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
* Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
* Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
* The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Optional Add-ins
* Add the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins (nuts, dried fruits, etc.) to the batter.
* Gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Press into the Pan
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
* Use a spatula or your fingers to evenly spread the batter across the pan.
* Press down firmly to ensure the batter is compacted and even.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
* Place the baking pan in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The bars should be firm to the touch.
* Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
* Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
* This is important because cutting them while they’re still warm can cause them to crumble.
* Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it) or carefully cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Chocolate Goodness Bars
* **Use Old-Fashioned Oats:** Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture for these bars. Avoid using instant oats, as they can make the bars too mushy.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons and level off the ingredients.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This will prevent them from crumbling and make them easier to handle.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to create your favorite flavor combinations. Try different types of nuts, dried fruits, or spices.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the bars and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
* **Melt Butter Carefully:** When melting butter, do so in short intervals in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop to prevent burning.
* **Use Quality Chocolate:** Using high-quality chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of the bars.
* **Brown Butter Option:** For an even richer flavor, brown the butter before adding the eggs and vanilla. Be sure to let it cool slightly before adding the wet ingredients.
Variations and Add-ins
The beauty of these oatmeal chocolate goodness bars is their versatility. Here are some ideas to customize them to your taste:
* **Nutty Bars:** Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
* **Fruity Bars:** Add ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, chopped dried apricots, or cherries.
* **Coconut Bars:** Add ½ cup of shredded coconut.
* **Spiced Bars:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
* **Peanut Butter Bars:** Add ½ cup of peanut butter chips or swirl a tablespoon of peanut butter into the batter before baking.
* **White Chocolate Bars:** Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
* **Espresso Bars:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a coffee flavor.
* **Salted Caramel Bars:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars and let it set.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
Serving Suggestions
Oatmeal chocolate goodness bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **With a Glass of Milk:** A classic combination! Enjoy a warm or cold glass of milk with your bars.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
* **As a Dessert with Ice Cream:** Crumble the bars over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
* **In a Lunchbox:** A great addition to a packed lunch for kids or adults.
* **As a Snack on the Go:** Convenient and satisfying for travel or outdoor activities.
* **As a Gift:** Wrap a stack of bars in a ribbon and give them as a homemade gift.
* **Warmed Up:** Gently warm the bars in the microwave for a few seconds for a gooey treat.
Storage Instructions
To keep your oatmeal chocolate goodness bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the bars from drying out.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar)
* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 3-4g
* Fat: 10-12g
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 12-15g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
Oatmeal chocolate goodness bars are a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack, a quick breakfast, or a comforting dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the goodness of homemade oatmeal chocolate bars! Happy baking!