Satisfy your sweet tooth with these wholesome Molasses Oatmeal Bars—an irresistible treat packed with hearty oats, the deep richness of molasses, and a warm hint of cinnamon. These chewy bars come together effortlessly with a mix of pantry staples, making them ideal for quick baking sessions. Optional add-ins like chopped nuts or dried cranberries provide a delightful texture and a pop of flavor, perfect for customizing to your taste. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake, these bars are great as an energy-boosting snack or a cozy dessert. Plus, they're freezer-friendly, ensuring you always have a tasty homemade treat ready to go.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the melted butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined and the mixture appears evenly moistened. If using chopped nuts or dried fruit, gently fold them in at this stage.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake so the bars stay chewy.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This will help them firm up for slicing.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Calories |
3525 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.8 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.0 g | 330% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 258 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 1340 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 543.2 g | 198% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.2 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 330.3 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 694 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 24.2 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 4303 mg | 92% | |
*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.