If you are a fan of Nutella and love easy, indulgent treats, this Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture a thick and rich layer of creamy Nutella sandwiched between buttery, crumbly oats that bake up quickly and effortlessly, making these bars perfect for parties, quick snacks, or whenever you need a dessert that feels like a warm hug. With just one bowl and about 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these irresistible bars that deliver a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s providing structure, flavor, or that irresistible crumbly texture, coming together to create a smart but scrumptious dessert you’ll want to revisit time and again.
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture and rustic flavor that complements Nutella beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups flour: Keeps the bars sturdy and holds everything together perfectly without being too dense.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Essential for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth buttery crumble texture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Brings a natural caramel warmth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with hazelnut.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the bars from being too heavy, adding lightness to the crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the bars.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a classic sweet aroma that elevates the oat mixture.
- ½ to ¾ cup Nutella: The star ingredient – rich, creamy, and nutty chocolate hazelnut spread that you’ll want to double if you’re daring!
How to Make Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and mix your dry ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s ready when your oat mixture is complete. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, melted butter, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined into a thick, crumbly dough. This simple combo forms the base and topping of your bars and sets the stage for that gooey Nutella surprise.
Step 2: Press the base layer
Next, line or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and firmly press about three-quarters of your oat mixture into the bottom. Pressing firmly is key here—it creates a solid, buttery base that holds together after baking and slicing. This layer acts as the foundation for your luscious Nutella middle layer.
Step 3: Spread the Nutella
Now the fun part: spoon your Nutella over the oat crust, spreading it evenly until the entire layer is covered. Feel free to be generous here—you simply can’t have too much Nutella! This creamy layer will soften as it bakes, becoming perfectly melty and rich.
Step 4: Top with remaining crumble and bake
Finally, sprinkle the leftover oat mixture over the Nutella layer, letting it fall into a rustic crumble. Unlike the base, this top layer doesn’t need to be pressed down; its crumbly texture creates the perfect contrast after baking. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the top turns a light golden color. Once out of the oven, let it cool thoroughly to ensure clean slicing and that wonderful gooey texture settles just right.
How to Serve Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Taking these bars over the top is easy with a sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts for crunch and extra nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with Nutella. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate also adds a pretty finishing touch that’s sure to impress your friends whenever you serve these.
Side Dishes
For a cozy dessert plate, serve your Nutella Oatmeal Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A fresh raspberry or strawberry on the side can add a bright fruity contrast that balances the richness of the bars perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Cut these into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for a party. Layered in a dessert jar with whipped cream and fresh berries, they make for an adorable layered treat. You can even sandwich two bars with extra Nutella in the middle for an over-the-top Nutella oatmeal bar cookie sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Nutella Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To prevent them from getting dry or crumbly, you can also refrigerate them, which helps the bars stay fresh and the textures intact.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and you can store them for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and they’ll taste just as delicious as on day one.
Reheating
If you prefer your Nutella Oatmeal Bars warm and melty, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in the oven. Warming them really brings out the gooey Nutella center and enhances that buttery oat aroma, making for an irresistible snack anytime.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free oats and flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just swap in gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends. The texture will be just as delightful and the flavor remains stunning.
Do I need to press the top oat layer before baking?
No need! The top layer is meant to be crumbly and rustic, so leaving it unpressed creates a wonderful contrast to the firmer base and melty Nutella. It crisps up nicely and adds a lovely texture dimension.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, stirring in some toasted chopped hazelnuts into the oat mixture or layering them on top of the Nutella adds a fantastic crunch and intensifies the nutty flavor theme, making these bars even more special.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing. This helps the Nutella set and prevents it from oozing, while also making the oat crumble firmer and cleaner to cut into pretty squares.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, adjusting baking time as needed—usually a few extra minutes for the bigger pan. Keep an eye on that beautiful golden topping as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, irresistible treat that feels homemade but almost too good to believe, this Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe is it. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and delivers that perfect chocolate-hazelnut comfort in every crumbly, luscious bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly these bars disappear—trust me, you’ll want to keep the recipe handy for all your future cravings!
Print
Nutella Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Nutella Oatmeal Bars feature a thick and rich layer of creamy Nutella sandwiched between buttery, crumbly oat layers. Simple to prepare with just one bowl and ready in under 45 minutes, they make a perfect sweet treat for parties or snacks, combining the wholesome flavors of oats with the indulgence of chocolate hazelnut spread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- ½ – ¾ cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and light brown sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together well before adding the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until you achieve a crumbly batter.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Reserve about one-quarter of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining three-quarters firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined or well-greased 8×8 inch baking pan. Pressing down firmly is important to create a sturdy base that will hold together after baking.
- Add Nutella Layer: Spread the Nutella evenly over the pressed oat layer. You can add extra Nutella if you desire a richer chocolate hazelnut flavor, ensuring a thick, indulgent middle layer.
- Add Topping and Bake: Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly over the Nutella layer without pressing it down. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top layer is lightly golden and the bars look set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. For cleaner slices and less crumbly bars, refrigerate the pan for a few hours before slicing with a sharp knife.
- Storage: Store the Nutella Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Notes
- To make these bars gluten-free, substitute both rolled oats and all-purpose flour with certified gluten-free versions.
- Refrigerate the bars before slicing to ensure the Nutella stays contained and the bars hold their shape better.
- Firmly pressing down the bottom layer is crucial to prevent the bars from crumbling when cut.
- Optional: Add toasted chopped hazelnuts either in the oat mixture or layered with the Nutella to add a delightful crunch.
