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These Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars are the perfect treat when you want something sweet, salty, and irresistibly crunchy all at once. They come together quickly and bring a fun twist to classic snack time, making them great for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
I first made these bars on a rainy afternoon, and my whole family devoured them before they even had a chance to cool. Now they are a regular request during holiday baking season.
Ingredients
- Quick cooking rolled oats: Two cups for a chewy and hearty base choose fresh oats for best flavor
- Salted butter: One half cup melted to bind the oats and add rich flavor use good quality butter for that creamy taste
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon to enhance sweetness and round out the flavors pure vanilla extract always makes a difference
- Sweetened condensed milk: One can as the sweet sticky layer that holds everything together and adds creamy richness
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Two cups plus one half cup extra for topping select a brand you like because the chocolate flavor shines here
- Coconut flakes: One cup sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference for subtle tropical notes and texture
- Roasted peanuts: One cup or your favorite roasted nuts to add salty crunch fresh nuts ensure the best taste and texture
- Pretzel sticks: One cup to bring in a salty crispy contrast that balances the sweetness
- Flaky sea salt: One teaspoon for a finishing touch that amplifies all the flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your bars come out easily without sticking.
- Build the Base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the quick cooking oats with the melted salted butter and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything until it is well mixed and press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to make a solid foundation.
- Layer the Magic:
- Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the oat base and spread it out evenly. Next sprinkle the coconut flakes, then add two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, followed by the roasted peanuts, finishing with the remaining half cup of chocolate chips and the pretzel sticks layered on top.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and the mixture appears bubbly. This baking time helps set all the layers together while allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Cool:
- As soon as you take the bars out of the oven, sprinkle the flaky sea salt across the top. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares so they hold together nicely.
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My favorite ingredient has to be the pretzels because their salty crunch perfectly offsets the sweet condensed milk and chocolate. One family gathering I made these for, we all ended up arguing about who got the last piece because they were that good.
Storage Tips
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days and they will stay soft and chewy. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them completely before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the roasted peanuts for almonds or cashews if you prefer a different nut flavor or need a nut-free option try pumpkin seeds for crunch instead. Using old-fashioned rolled oats is fine but expect a slightly chewier texture. If you do not have pretzel sticks, crushed pretzels or even salted crackers can work nicely.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve the bars with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. They make a great lunchbox treat or a sweet finish to a casual dinner with friends. Drizzling a little melted chocolate over the top just before cooling adds extra indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of oats work best for these bars?
Quick cooking rolled oats provide the ideal texture and help the base bind well without remaining too chewy.
- → Can I use different nuts in the layers?
Absolutely, feel free to substitute roasted peanuts with almonds, walnuts, or your preferred roasted nuts for varied flavor and crunch.
- → Is sweetened condensed milk necessary for the layers?
Sweetened condensed milk acts as a rich and sticky binder that holds all layers together while adding a smooth sweetness.
- → How does the flaky sea salt affect the bars?
Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top deepens the flavor by enhancing the sweet and salty balance and adding a slight crunch.
- → What is the best way to cut these bars?
Allow the baked bars to cool completely to firm up, then use a sharp knife to cut into even squares or rectangles.
- → Can I add toppings like melted chocolate after baking?
Yes, drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars adds an indulgent finishing touch and extra richness.