Nutella Oatmeal Snack Bars

This hearty Nutella Oatmeal Bars recipe has become my go-to treat whenever I need something quick yet impressive. The perfect balance of crispy oat base, creamy Nutella center, and crumbly topping creates a dessert that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

I first made these bars during a rainy weekend when my nieces and nephews were visiting. What started as a simple way to keep them entertained in the kitchen has turned into our special tradition whenever they stay over. The smell of the oats baking brings them running to the kitchen every time.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect structure without being heavy
• Old fashioned rolled oats: provide that delightful chewy texture and nutty flavor
• Sea salt: enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate hazelnut notes
• Baking soda: gives just the right amount of lift to keep the bars from being too dense
• Melted butter: binds everything together while adding rich flavor look for unsalted for best control
• Brown sugar: adds caramel notes that complement the Nutella perfectly
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the sweetness with warm aromatic notes
• Nutella: the star ingredient providing that irresistible chocolate hazelnut flavor
• Hazelnuts: add wonderful texture contrast and amplify the nutty flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment:

Heat your oven to 175°C and line your baking dish with parchment paper ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. This careful preparation makes the entire process significantly easier especially when removing the cooled bars.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Combine flour, oats, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl, stirring thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent evenly. This uniform distribution ensures consistent texture throughout your bars.

Prepare Wet Ingredients:

Melt butter completely then mix with brown sugar and vanilla until smooth and incorporated. The melted butter helps dissolve the sugar creating a more uniform sweetness throughout the bars.

Combine Mixtures:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until everything is moistened and holding together. The mixture should be crumbly but press together when squeezed this indicates perfect moisture content.

Form The Base:

Press about three quarters of the mixture firmly into your prepared pan creating an even layer. The more firmly you press this base the better it will hold the Nutella layer later.

Pre Bake The Base:

Bake for 10 minutes to set the base which prevents sogginess when the Nutella is added. The slight golden color indicates its ready for the next step.

Prepare The Filling:

Mix Nutella with chopped hazelnuts warming briefly if needed for easier spreading. The warm base will help the Nutella spread more easily across the surface.

Add Filling Layer:

Spread the Nutella mixture evenly over the hot base working quickly while everything is warm. The heat helps create a smooth even layer of chocolate goodness.

Add Crumble Topping:

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the Nutella creating an attractive textured topping. Distribute it evenly for consistent baking and appearance.

Final Bake:

Return to the oven for 10 minutes until the topping turns light golden brown. Watch carefully as the high sugar content can burn quickly.

Cooling Phase:

Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes then refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This two stage cooling process is crucial for proper setting and clean cutting.

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My favorite thing about this recipe is how the Nutella transforms during baking. It becomes slightly more fudgy while still maintaining that distinct hazelnut chocolate flavor that made it famous. I remember watching my youngest nephew take his first bite his eyes widened before he declared these better than chocolate chip cookies our family's highest praise.

Storage Tips

These Nutella Oatmeal Bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days. After that they begin to soften slightly but remain delicious for up to four days. During warmer weather store them in the refrigerator for up to a week just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to restore their perfect texture.

Perfect Substitutions

If you need to make these bars gluten free simply swap the regular flour for an all purpose gluten free blend and use certified gluten free oats. The recipe works perfectly with these substitutions. For those with nut allergies try using cookie butter or chocolate spread instead of Nutella and skip the hazelnuts. The flavor profile will change but the bars remain delicious.

Serving Suggestions

While these bars are perfect on their own they reach new heights when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special brunch treat pair them with a strong cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also make excellent lunchbox treats since they hold their shape well and dont require refrigeration for a day out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these Nutella bars unique?

These bars feature a crisp oatmeal base, creamy Nutella and hazelnut center, and a golden crumble topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version of this treat.

→ How should I store Nutella oatmeal bars?

Store them in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

→ Can I replace hazelnuts with other nuts?

Yes, you can replace hazelnuts with almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I avoid bars crumbling when cutting?

Ensure the bars are completely chilled in the fridge before cutting to maintain their structure.

→ Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan to make more bars.