Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The base is soft and chewy, filled with hearty oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a delightful texture and flavor. The browned butter frosting is the star of the show, bringing a nutty, caramelized flavor that complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly. It’s a simple yet decadent treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the browned butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add a little milk if the frosting is too thick.
3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 16 bars
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Oatmeal Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
• Peanut Butter Frosting: Swap out the browned butter frosting for a peanut butter frosting for a different twist on the flavor.
• Coconut Oatmeal Bars: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the oatmeal mixture for a tropical flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the oatmeal chocolate chip bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze these bars for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container before freezing.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these oatmeal chocolate chip bars without the frosting?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own without the frosting. If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the frosting and enjoy them as is.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

For the best texture, rolled oats are recommended. Quick oats may result in a softer, less chewy bar.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you’d like a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the browned butter frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before spreading it on the bars.

Can I use dairy-free butter for the frosting?

Yes, you can use dairy-free or plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.

Can I add other mix-ins to the oatmeal bars?

Yes! You can add raisins, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

How do I cut these bars cleanly?

Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to ensure clean slices. You can also run a knife under warm water to help with cutting.

Can I use another type of frosting?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to use browned butter frosting, you can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple glaze.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors. With their rich frosting and delicious oat base, they make for an irresistible dessert that will be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to please!

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