If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate and chewy oats, this is the recipe for you! With a smooth, ganache-like filling nestled between a sweet oatmeal crust, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They’re a hit at bake sales, a great after-dinner treat, or simply a sweet snack to enjoy. You’ll love how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients for Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars with Ganache Filling
For the Cookie Crust:
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1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
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2 cups (400 grams) brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
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3 cups (240 grams) quick-cooking oats
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2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
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1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
For the Ganache Filling:
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1 can (14.5 oz / 411 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
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2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
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1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) salt
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2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
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1 cup (120 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Bars with Ganache Filling
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
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Press about three-quarters of the oatmeal mixture into an ungreased 15-inch x 10-inch x 1-inch (38 cm x 25 cm x 2.5 cm) baking pan. Set aside.
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For the ganache filling, heat the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, you can melt everything over a double boiler.
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Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and chopped walnuts, if using). Pour this chocolate mixture over the oatmeal crust in the baking pan.
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Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oatmeal mixture over the chocolate filling. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are golden and firm. Allow to cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
A Decadent and Simple Dessert
These chewy chocolate oatmeal bars are the perfect balance of rich chocolate and hearty oatmeal. The ganache filling melts beautifully between the oat crust, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. Whether you serve them warm or at room temperature, these bars are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings.
You can also experiment by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the filling. These bars store wonderfully, so you can make them in advance and enjoy them over the next few days.
