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Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars (Baked and No-Bake Options)

A close-up, sunlit view of a thick, chewy chocolate chip oatmeal bars square on a white counter.
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Create satisfying, portable oatmeal bars using simple ingredients. This recipe provides instructions for both a classic baked version and a quick no-bake alternative, perfect for easy snacks or make-ahead breakfasts.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup extra rolled oats (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of rolled oats, flour, and baking soda. Add the salt and mix well.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and the extra 1/2 cup of rolled oats over the top, if using.
  8. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting them into squares.
  10. For the No-Bake Variation: Skip steps 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Melt 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Pour the melted mixture over the oats and chocolate chips and stir until fully coated. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm before slicing.

Notes

  • For the chewiest baked bars, slightly underbake them; they will continue to set as they cool.
  • You can substitute half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips or chopped nuts for different oatmeal bar recipes.
  • If you are making the no-bake version, pressing the mixture down very firmly is key to keeping your no bake oat bars from crumbling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/oatmeal-bars-chewy-chocolate-chip-baked-no-bake/