Chewy Chocolate Oat Bars with Condensed Milk Filling
These indulgent bar cookies feature a chewy oat base and topping that sandwiches a rich, fudgy chocolate layer made with sweetened condensed milk. The combination of rolled oats and brown sugar creates a tender, cookie-like texture that perfectly complements the smooth chocolate center. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to transport and serve. The bars slice cleanly once cooled and offer the ideal balance of chewy oat cookie and decadent chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggsflax eggs2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water per eggveganeggs-free
Mix and let sit 5 minutes
Full guide → - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 2 ½ cups flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13x9 baking dish with baking spray
- 2
Cream butter and brown sugar in stand mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes
- 3
Add eggs and vanilla extract until creamy
- 4
Mix in rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined
- 5
Spread about half the oat mixture into prepared baking dish and press gently
- 6
Microwave chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, and salt in large microwave-safe bowl until smooth and creamy
- 7
Spread chocolate mixture over the oat layer
- 8
Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over chocolate layer
- 9
Bake for 35-40 minutes
- 10
Cool completely before slicing
Tips
Press the bottom oat layer gently to avoid compacting it too much, which can make the bars tough.
Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before spreading to prevent melting the oat layer underneath.
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for the neatest bar slices.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 2 days ahead. Store covered and slice when ready to serve.
Serve at room temperature. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling completely or bars will fall apart when sliced
Avoid overmixing the oat mixture to prevent tough bars
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Mix and let sit 5 minutes
Full guide →Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, old-fashioned oats and rolled oats are the same thing. Both will work perfectly in this recipe.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.