If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both comforting and delightfully rich, this Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the hearty chew of rolled oats with the irresistible, creamy goodness of Nutella, these bars offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a quick snack for yourself or something to impress guests at your next gathering, these bars truly deliver a warm hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every component works together to create that signature chewy, buttery base and luscious Nutella layer that makes the Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe so memorable.
- Rolled oats: Provide a hearty, chewy texture that forms the foundation of these bars.
- Flour: Brings the structure needed to hold the bars together perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, making each bite velvety smooth.
- Light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel note and enhances browning for that irresistible golden crust.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant aroma that complements Nutella’s hazelnut tones.
- Nutella: The star ingredient, spreading a creamy, chocolaty layer that takes these oatmeal bars to another level.
How to Make Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is hot and ready, so your bars bake evenly and develop that lovely golden top. Meanwhile, line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. The result should be a slightly crumbly but cohesive mixture—this forms both the base and the crumble topping.
Step 3: Press the Base Layer
Take about three-quarters of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pressing it evenly and firmly is key to creating a sturdy crust that perfectly supports the Nutella layer without crumbling apart.
Step 4: Spread Nutella
Now for the fun part: spread Nutella generously over the oat base. Feel free to be generous here—after all, can you ever really have too much Nutella? This luscious layer will be the gooey, chocolate-hazelnut heart of your bars.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the Nutella layer to form a crumbly top. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the topping turns lightly golden. The aroma at this stage is simply mouthwatering!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow your Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe to cool completely before cutting. This resting time helps the layers set nicely and makes clean slicing easier. Of course, if you enjoy a warm, crumbly bite straight from the oven, go ahead and indulge—no judgments here!
How to Serve Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To dress these Nutella oatmeal bars up a bit, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra shine and sweetness. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts add color, texture, and a delightful crunch that complements the soft bars beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy breakfast twist, serve alongside a cup of coffee or hot milk. The warm notes of chocolate and oats really come to life when matched with creamy, comforting sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe the star of any dessert table by cutting the bars into mini squares for bite-sized treats at parties. You can also sandwich two bars with a layer of Nutella or cream in between for an indulgent oatmeal bar “cookie” that’s sure to wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully chewy and moist for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy weeks or packed lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe for about 15 seconds in the microwave or in a low oven until soft and fragrant. This quick reheat revives the gooey Nutella layer and makes the oats wonderfully tender again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats tend to be finer and cook faster, so they might alter the texture to be softer and less chewy. For the best Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe experience, rolled oats are recommended to maintain that perfect oatmeal bite.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the bars without any gluten worries.
Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
While Nutella’s unique chocolate-hazelnut flavor is the highlight here, you can experiment with almond butter or peanut butter for a different twist. Keep in mind that the taste and sweetness will change with the substitution.
How thick should I spread the Nutella layer?
A generous, even layer about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick works best. This ensures that every bar has that creamy Nutella center without overpowering the oat layers. Remember, spreading it evenly helps with proper baking and texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan, like 9×13 inches. Watch the baking time closely, as it might require a few extra minutes depending on your oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of oats and Nutella that makes these bars feel like a cozy treat straight from the heart of a home kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe and discover just how easy it is to create a snack that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Once you do, they’ll likely become your go-to for sharing happiness on a plate.
PrintNutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Nutella Oatmeal Bars combine the wholesome texture of oats with the rich, creamy indulgence of Nutella for a deliciously satisfying treat. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars feature a buttery oat crumble base and topping, sandwiching a generous layer of Nutella in the center. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Oat Crumble Mixture
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- ½ to ¾ cup Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture forms a crumbly dough consistency.
- Press Base Layer: Reserve about ¾ of the oat crumble mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of a parchment-lined or well-greased 8×8 inch baking pan to create an even base layer.
- Spread Nutella Filling: Generously spread Nutella over the pressed oat base layer. Feel free to use a little extra Nutella if you prefer a richer filling.
- Add Top Crumble Layer: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ of the oat mixture evenly over the Nutella layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the layers set properly. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For easier cutting, chill the bars in the refrigerator after they have cooled to room temperature.
- You can substitute Nutella with any other chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Ensure your butter is melted but not hot to avoid altering the texture of the dough.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- These bars keep well stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week.
