Quick Description
These Oatmeal Chocolate Cream Bars feature a hearty oatmeal base topped with a rich, velvety chocolate cream. The perfect balance of texture and sweetness for a cozy dessert or snack!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8-10 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Oatmeal Base
- 1 egg
- 1 ยฝ mugs oatmeal (about 1 ยฝ cups)
- 3 tablespoons of butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons demerara sugar (or any granulated sugar)
For the Chocolate Cream Topping
- 300 grams (about 10.5 oz) dark chocolate (60% cocoa or your preferred type)
- 300 grams (about 1 ยผ cups) heavy cream
Instructions
Make the Oatmeal Base:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
-
Prepare the Base:
- In a bowl, whisk the egg until beaten.
- Add the oats, melted butter, and demerara sugar to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (around 8ร8 inches or similar size). Press the mixture evenly into the dish.
-
Bake the Base:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Chocolate Cream Topping:
-
Prepare the Chocolate Cream:
- In a heatproof bowl, break up the dark chocolate into pieces.
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but not boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth.
-
Top the Oatmeal Base:
- Pour the chocolate cream evenly over the slightly cooled oatmeal base.
- Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly to cover the entire surface.
-
Set the Bars:
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for about 2 hours until the chocolate has set and the bars are firm.
Serve:
- Once the bars are set, slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Additional Notes
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you want a sweeter chocolate topping, you can add a bit of honey or powdered sugar to the cream mixture while heating the cream.
- Oatmeal Texture: You can use rolled oats or quick oats, depending on your texture preference. Rolled oats will give a chewier, heartier base.
- For a Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the oatmeal base for added crunch and flavor.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Contains Dairy
- Can be made gluten-free (use gluten-free oats)
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Demerara Sugar: You can substitute this with coconut sugar or any sweetener of choice, depending on your dietary preference.
- Chocolate: Feel free to use milk chocolate or 70% cocoa chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or use half-and-half for a lighter cream topping.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add Fruit: Top the chocolate bars with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
- Layered Bars: You can create a layered effect by adding a layer of peanut butter or almond butter between the oatmeal and chocolate layers.
- Mini Version: Make mini bars by pressing the base into a muffin tin and topping with chocolate.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: These bars freeze well for up to 1 month. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition (Per Bar, Approx.)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 12 g
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener for the oatmeal base?
Yes, you can use any low-carb sweetener or natural sweetener like maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust to taste.
Q: Can I add more chocolate to the topping?
Absolutely! If you prefer a thicker, richer chocolate layer, feel free to increase the chocolate and cream ratio (add more chocolate and cream as desired).
Q: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, these bars actually get better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make them the day before and refrigerate for the best results.
Optional Personal Story
Iโve been making these bars as an easy dessert for dinner parties, and theyโre always a hit! The combination of oats and chocolate feels so indulgent without the carb overload. Theyโre great for when you want something sweet but donโt want to break your low-carb diet.