Desserts > American Desserts > Bars > Oatmeal Bars

Butter Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

5. Fold in the chopped pecans.

6. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

7. In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

8. Pour the condensed milk mixture over the oat mixture in the pan.

9. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top of the condensed milk mixture.

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 12-16 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the oat mixture for a chocolate twist.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
- Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with caramel sauce for a caramel pecan oatmeal bar.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a spatula to press the oat mixture into the pan for an even layer.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized treats.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars for a decorative touch.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bars are too crumbly, press the oat mixture more firmly into the pan before baking.
- If the bars are too soft, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until set.

Food safety advice:
- Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
- Use clean hands and utensils when handling the ingredients.

Food history:
- Oatmeal bars have been a popular treat since the early 1900s, with variations including chocolate, fruit, and nuts.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, nutty, and buttery.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Oaty