Step 1: Prepare the Oat Base
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking.
Combine oats and coconut oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine 150g (2 cups) oats with 30g (2 tbsp) melted coconut oil. Stir until the oats are well coated with the oil, which will help bind the mixture together while baking.
Add the egg yolks and sugar: Crack 2 egg yolks into the mixture and add 25g (2 tbsp) sugar. Stir well to combine, making sure the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture. The egg yolks will help to give the bars structure while also adding richness.
Add chocolate chips: Fold in 200g (1 cup) chocolate chips to the oat mixture. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets of chocolate within the oat base.
Press into the baking dish: Press the oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The base should be about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to flatten and compact the mixture.
Bake the base: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the base feels firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat 240ml (1 cup) heavy whipping cream over medium heat. Heat until small bubbles start to form around the edges, but do not let it boil.
Melt the chocolate chips: Once the cream is heated, remove the saucepan from the heat and add 100g (1/2 cup) chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for about 1 minute to allow the chocolate to soften.
Stir until smooth: Using a whisk, gently stir the cream and chocolate together until smooth and well combined. This will create a rich, chocolatey filling that will complement the oat base perfectly.
Let it cool slightly: Allow the chocolate filling to cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This will help it thicken slightly, making it easier to layer onto the oat base without soaking into it.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread the filling: Once the oat base has cooled completely, spread the chocolate cream filling evenly over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the layer.
Chill the bars: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. The bars will be easier to cut and handle once fully chilled.
Cut and serve: After chilling, remove the bars from the fridge and cut them into squares or rectangles. You can sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or shaved chocolate on top for a decorative touch, if desired.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Serve these oat chocolate chip bars as a dessert or a sweet snack with your favorite beverage. The combination of creamy chocolate and the crunchy oat base is irresistible!
Cooking Tips
Substitute the oil: If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil. Coconut oil, however, adds a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with chocolate.
Add nuts or dried fruit: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) into the oat base.
Use dark or milk chocolate: You can customize the level of sweetness in the bars by using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.
Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The coconut cream will give a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
Don’t overbake the base: Keep an eye on the oat base as it bakes. You want it to be golden and firm, but not overbaked or too hard. This will ensure the bars have a nice texture once cooled.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The filling will stay firm and the oats will retain their texture when kept chilled.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply let the bars thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Room Temperature: If storing at room temperature, the bars will stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the creamy filling may soften if it’s too warm, so refrigeration is ideal for longer storage.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 40mg
Calcium: 45mg
Iron: 1.5mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant oats instead of regular oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats if you prefer. However, the texture may be slightly softer. Regular rolled oats provide a more substantial and chewy texture for the base.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg yolks with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based cream (such as coconut cream) for the filling.
3. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate with added nuts or flavors to create different variations of these bars.
4. What if I don’t have rice paper?
For an extra crunchy bite, you can add additional layers of oats or even use other ingredients like shredded coconut or puffed rice to create a unique taste.
5. How can I make these bars more festive?
For a festive touch, consider adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit on top of the chocolate cream before chilling. This adds both texture and visual appeal, perfect for parties or special occasions.
Conclusion
These Oat Chocolate Chip Bars with Creamy Filling are a delightful treat that combines the best of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and a creamy filling. Perfect for a special dessert or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and versatile enough to suit various preferences. Whether you choose to add nuts or experiment with different types of chocolate, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Make sure to store them properly to enjoy throughout the week or freeze them for a quick treat later on. Happy baking!
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