Chewy, decadent, and irresistibly satisfying, these Cherry Chocolate Oat Bars are the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion! Packed with wholesome rolled oats, rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, and tart dried cherries, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk ties it all together, creating a luscious layer of creamy sweetness, while the crumbly oat topping adds a satisfying crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a simple, no-fuss assembly, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you serve them as an afternoon snack, pack them in a lunchbox, or bring them to your next potluck, these homemade oat bars are sure to become a new favorite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the oat mixture. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough.
Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Reserve the remaining third for the topping.
Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries over the crust.
Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate and cherries, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top, covering as much of the filling as possible.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares or bars and serve.
Calories |
4587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.9 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 122.9 g | 614% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 439 mg | 146% | |
| Sodium | 2092 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 656.5 g | 239% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.9 g | 125% | |
| Total Sugars | 426.6 g | ||
| Protein | 63.5 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 770 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 2150 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.