Desserts > German Bars

Kottenbutter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Add the honey, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 12-16 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rolled oats can be substituted with quick oats.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or coconut sugar.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before baking.
- Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract or coconut extract.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
- Use a spatula to press the mixture into the baking dish to ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares 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 the bars, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve them as a sweet snack.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit over the bars before serving.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a decadent touch.

Pairings:
- Serve the bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the bars are too crumbly, press the mixture into the baking dish more firmly before baking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean hands and equipment when preparing the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
- Kottenbutter is a type of German butter made from cultured cream.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, buttery, and slightly nutty.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bars as a sweet snack or breakfast treat.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Oaty