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.
