Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and redefine your dessert expectations! These Oatmeal Everything Bars are not just another ordinary treat - they're a decadent symphony of flavors that combine the wholesome comfort of oats with the luxurious richness of dulce de leche, the indulgent sweetness of chocolate chips, and the tropical twist of coconut. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking for your next obsession, these bars promise to be a game-changing recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Pour the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.
- Spread the dulce de leche evenly over the pressed oat layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips and shredded coconut evenly over the dulce de leche layer.
- Take the reserved oat mixture and crumble it over the top of the chocolate chips and coconut, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After cooling, cut into 16 bars and serve. Enjoy your Oatmeal Everything Bars!
Tips
- For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. They provide a heartier, more robust base for your bars.
- Make sure your butter is fully melted but not scorching hot when mixing with the dry ingredients. This helps create the perfect crumbly yet cohesive texture.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting. This trick prevents sticking and helps you create perfectly shaped bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more defined bar shapes.
- Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For an extra indulgent touch, you can warm the bars slightly before serving or drizzle additional dulce de leche on top.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or use a darker chocolate chip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
