Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ to ¾ cup Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars evenly.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and light brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla bean paste until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press base layer: Reserve about ¼ of the oat mixture for topping. Press the remaining ¾ firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined or well-greased 8×8 inch baking pan to form the base layer.
- Spread Nutella layer: Spread the Nutella evenly over the pressed oat base. You can use between ½ to ¾ cup depending on your desired richness—feel free to add a little extra for more indulgence.
- Add topping crumble: Sprinkle the reserved oat crumble mixture evenly over the Nutella layer to cover completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool thoroughly in the pan before cutting into 16 pieces to let them set; this will help maintain their structure. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Notes
- You can adjust the Nutella quantity to your taste—more Nutella adds richness but may make cutting a bit messier.
- Pressing the oat mixture firmly for the base ensures the bars hold together well after baking.
- Letting bars cool completely before slicing helps achieve clean edges and prevents crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
