Irresistible Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Frosting

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting whisk you away to a world of warm, gooey goodness. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar that combines the wholesome heartiness of oats with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate, crowned with a rich, nutty frosting that dances on your taste buds.

Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, and you’ve got nothing but time and the urge to bake something delightful. The aroma of melted butter fills your kitchen as you whip up these delightful treats, making every moment feel like a cozy hug from an old friend. These bars are perfect for family gatherings or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up!

Ingredients for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These provide the chewy texture that balances perfectly with the gooey chocolate chips.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use all-purpose flour for structure; it helps bind everything together into those lovely bars.
• Brown Sugar: This adds a deep caramel flavor that perfectly complements the oats and chocolate.
• Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way; it helps create that delightful balance in flavor.
• Baking Soda: Don’t forget this; it gives the bars their rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; it’s like magic!
• Unsalted Butter: Used in both the bars and frosting, it provides richness and depth to every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: This fragrant addition elevates the overall flavor profile to heavenly heights.
• Chocolate Chips: Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for melting goodness in each square.

For the Frosting:

• Powdered Sugar: This is essential for sweetness in your luscious frosting without any grittiness.
• Agar-Agar Powder: This plant-based gelling agent helps achieve that ideal frosting consistency without using gelatin.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty baking dish (about 9×13 inches), and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. We want these bars to slide out as smoothly as possible because nobody wants to wrestle with dessert.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed; it should look like a sandy beach—minus the ocean waves.

Step 3: Melt Your Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter until it’s golden brown and has that nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen. Be careful not to burn it unless you want some unexpected flavor surprises! Once browned, remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding it to your dry mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted butter into your dry mixture along with vanilla extract. Mix until combined—this is where things start smelling heavenly! Fold in those glorious chocolate chips like they’re VIP guests at an exclusive party.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Spread your mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden on top. The edges should be firm while the center remains soft—trust me; it’s worth checking early so they don’t overbake!

Step 6: Prepare Your Frosting

While waiting for those beauties to cool down slightly, let’s whip up that fabulous browned butter frosting! In another bowl, mix powdered sugar with cooled browned butter and add agar-agar powder gradually until smooth and spreadable.

Transfer your cooled oatmeal chocolate chip bars onto a wire rack (if you can resist cutting into them right away). Once they’re completely cool, generously spread that dreamy frosting on top. Cut into squares or rectangles—whatever floats your boat—and get ready for tastebud fireworks!

Serve these oatmeal chocolate chip bars at room temperature or slightly chilled (if you’re feeling adventurous). They’ll disappear faster than socks in a dryer! Enjoy every bite while laughing at life’s little absurdities; after all, dessert is meant to be fun!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the oatmeal chocolate chip batter. Mix the dry ingredients first, then combine them with the wet ingredients. Bake until golden brown, and don’t forget to whip up that luscious browned butter frosting while it cools!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts if you want a twist. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile. Personalizing these bars makes them uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to savor them later, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

I once made these bars for a potluck, and they disappeared faster than I could say “Oatmeal Chocolate Chip.” Friends kept coming back for seconds, and one even asked if I had secretly added magic! It was a moment of pure joy when everyone gathered around the dessert table, sharing laughter and stories over these delicious treats.

FAQs

What are Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting?

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the hearty texture of oats with rich chocolate chips. The bars are topped with a luscious frosting made from browned butter, which adds a nutty flavor and creamy finish. This dessert is perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings and is easy to make, making it a favorite among cookie lovers.

How do I store Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting?

To store your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting, allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are popular in Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting, you can experiment with various types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can be used depending on your preference. You can also add in some nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

How do I make the browned butter for the frosting?

To make browned butter for the frosting, simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it melts until it starts to bubble and foam. Watch closely as it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove it from heat immediately to avoid burning. Allow it to cool slightly before incorporating it into your frosting mixture for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting.

Conclusion for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting offer a perfect blend of chewy oats and sweet chocolate flavors. The unique browned butter frosting enhances the overall taste, making these bars irresistible. They are simple to prepare and ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night at home. With proper storage, these delicious treats can last several days, allowing you to savor each bite! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful recipe!

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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting

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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Browned Butter Frosting are a delightful twist on classic baked treats. These chewy bars blend wholesome oats with rich, melty chocolate chips, all topped with a creamy, nutty browned butter frosting that elevates the flavor profile to new heights. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy afternoon snack, these bars promise to impress everyone who takes a bite.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and browned)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp browned butter
• 1 tsp agar-agar powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the dry mixture along with vanilla extract.
4. Stir until combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top.
6. While bars cool, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with cooled browned butter and agar-agar powder until smooth.
7. Once bars are completely cool, spread frosting generously on top and cut into squares.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts or dried fruits into the batter. - Store bars in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.