Oatmeal Bar Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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The Ultimate Oatmeal Bar Recipe: Customizable & Delicious

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make oatmeal bar recipe that's also incredibly versatile? Look no further! This recipe provides a base that you can customize to your liking, making it perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth or dietary needs. We'll cover everything from the perfect oat base to creative topping ideas, ensuring your oatmeal bars are a guaranteed hit with everyone.

Ingredients for the Oatmeal Bar Base:

This recipe makes approximately 16 bars. Adjust as needed for your desired quantity.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter ensures a smooth and even texture.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This provides the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps with browning.
• 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned): The star of the show! Provides that classic oatmeal bar texture.
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds texture and flavor. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds all work well.
• 1 cup dried fruit (optional): Raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots – the possibilities are endless! Choose your favorites.

Instructions for Making the Oatmeal Bar Base:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Oats & Mix-ins: Stir in the rolled oats, nuts (if using), and dried fruit (if using).
7. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Creative Topping Ideas for Your Oatmeal Bars:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different toppings to create unique and delicious variations!

Chocolate Lovers Delight:

• Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips to the batter before baking, or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars.

Fruity & Nutty:

• Dried Fruit Medley: Combine various dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, and apricots for a burst of flavor.
• Nut Clusters: Toast nuts before adding them for enhanced flavor and texture.

Spiced Oatmeal Bars:

• Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon or two of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Ginger: A pinch of ground ginger adds a unique twist.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough oatmeal bars. Mix until just combined.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
• Store Properly: Store leftover oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

This ultimate oatmeal bar recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations and creating your own signature oatmeal bar masterpiece. Remember to share your creations with us – we'd love to see your delicious results!