Chewy Frosted Oat Bars (Printable Version)
Wholesome oat bars topped with sweet vanilla frosting, perfect for snacking or light dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Oat Bar Base
01 - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Frosting
09 - 1 cup powdered sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 1/2 tablespoons milk (plus additional as needed)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until fully incorporated, forming a thick batter.
05 - Press the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
07 - Beat powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth. Add additional milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
08 - Spread frosting evenly over the cooled oat bars. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes to set, then lift out of the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They balance a comforting chewiness with a delicate vanilla frosting, making each bite feel like sharing a secret snack with a close friend
- Once you nail the frosting consistency, these bars become a go-to for lunchboxes, quick desserts, or anytime you crave something homey
02 -
- Ensuring the baking time is just right is key—underbaking leads to bars that fall apart, overbaking makes them dry
- Adding a pinch of salt to the frosting balances the sweetness and enhances that vanilla flavor beautifully
03 -
- Use parchment overhang to lift bars easily—this saves slicing stress and keeps your hands clean
- The secret to frosting consistency is adding milk one drop at a time to avoid a runny mess