Nutella Oatmeal Bars: Prepare to be utterly captivated by this incredibly simple yet decadent treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, wholesome oatmeal base, swirled with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate goodness of Nutella. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

While the exact origins of combining oatmeal and chocolate spread remain a modern marvel, the concept draws upon the comforting tradition of oatmeal cookies and the universal love for Nutella, which itself has a rich history dating back to post-World War II Italy. Created as a solution to cocoa shortages, Nutella quickly became a beloved staple, and its marriage with hearty oats is a testament to culinary creativity.

What makes these Nutella Oatmeal Bars so universally appealing? It’s the perfect balance of textures the satisfying chewiness of the oats against the smooth, creamy Nutella. The taste is a symphony of flavors the earthy, wholesome oats complementing the rich, nutty chocolate. Plus, they are incredibly convenient! Perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these bars are easy to make, portable, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving. Get ready to bake up a batch of happiness!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ cup Nutella, divided
¼ cup milk chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Oatmeal Base

Okay, let’s get started with the base of these delicious Nutella Oatmeal Bars! This is where we create that crumbly, buttery foundation that holds everything together. Trust me, the aroma alone is worth the effort.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent flavor and texture throughout the base. I like to use a whisk for this because it helps to break up any clumps in the brown sugar.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Now, this is where a pastry blender or your fingertips come in handy. You want to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. The key here is to keep the butter cold; this will give you that perfect crumbly texture. If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the butter in. Just work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
Form the Dough: Once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, use your hands to gently press it together until it starts to form a dough. Don’t overmix it! You want it to be just combined. It should still be a little crumbly, but it should hold together when you press it.
Divide the Dough: Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Lining the pan with parchment paper is crucial! It makes it so much easier to remove the bars later. Press the mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down.
Pre-bake the Base: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step is important because it helps to set the base and prevent it from becoming soggy when we add the Nutella layer. Keep a close eye on it, as ovens can vary. You want it to be lightly golden, not burnt.

Adding the Nutella Layer

Now for the best part the Nutella! This is where these bars go from good to absolutely irresistible. The creamy, chocolatey hazelnut flavor is what makes them so special.

Melt the Nutella (Optional): If your Nutella is a little stiff, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it up. This will make it easier to spread. Be careful not to overheat it, though! You just want it to be smooth and spreadable.
Spread the Nutella: Once the base is pre-baked, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the Nutella evenly over the warm base. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer. Don’t be shy with the Nutella! This is the star of the show.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the Nutella layer. The melted chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that complements the Nutella perfectly.

Creating the Crumb Topping

We’re almost there! The crumb topping adds a delightful texture and a touch of sweetness to the bars. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Crumble the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining one-third of the oatmeal mixture and crumble it evenly over the Nutella layer. You can use your fingers to break it up into small pieces. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible so that every bite has a little bit of that crumbly topping.
Add Hazelnuts (Optional): If you’re using chopped hazelnuts, sprinkle them over the crumb topping. The hazelnuts add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the Nutella.

Baking the Bars

Time to bake these beauties to golden perfection! The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply divine.

Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 18-22 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the Nutella is bubbly around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Cool Completely: Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be too soft and crumbly. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Cooling allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and handle.

Cutting and Serving

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for cutting and serving these delicious Nutella Oatmeal Bars! Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Lift from Pan: Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. This makes it so much easier to cut them neatly.
Cut into Squares: Cut the bars into squares. You can cut them into any size you like, depending on how many servings you want. I usually cut them into 16 squares.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Nutella Oatmeal Bars and enjoy! These bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics.

Tips and Variations:

Use Different Nuts: Instead of hazelnuts, try using walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Add Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates to the oatmeal mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use Different Spreads: Instead of Nutella, try using peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoy your homemade Nutella Oatmeal Bars!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Nutella Oatmeal Bars are truly a game-changer for breakfast, snacks, or even a healthier dessert option. I know, I know, healthier and Nutella in the same sentence might seem like an oxymoron, but trust me, the wholesome oats and the relatively small amount of Nutella create a delightful balance. The chewy texture, the subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable hazelnut-chocolate flavor make these bars utterly irresistible. But why are these bars a must-try? Well, beyond the deliciousness, they are incredibly convenient. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick and satisfying to grab on your way out the door. They’re also fantastic for packing in lunchboxes or taking on hikes a much better alternative to processed granola bars loaded with artificial ingredients. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! The recipe is straightforward, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Think of these bars as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! While I adore them just as they are, there are endless possibilities for variations. For a richer, more decadent treat, try adding a handful of chocolate chips (dark chocolate would be amazing!). If you’re a fan of nuts, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a delightful crunch. For a fruity twist, consider incorporating dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots. You could even swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter along with the Nutella for an extra layer of flavor. Serving suggestions? These bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For a more indulgent experience, try warming them slightly in the microwave and topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Seriously, it’s heavenly! You can also crumble them over yogurt or smoothie bowls for added texture and flavor. I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I’ve made countless batches of these Nutella Oatmeal Bars, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. I have no doubt that you’ll love them too. They are the perfect combination of comfort food and wholesome goodness. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing bars. I promise you won’t regret it! And once you’ve tried them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I can’t wait to hear all about your Nutella Oatmeal Bar adventures!