Frosted Oatmeal Bars

These Frosted Oatmeal Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a crunchy oat and brown sugar crust, topped with a creamy frosting and finished with a crunchy oat topping, these bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using walnuts, fold them into the mixture.

Press half of the mixture into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the frosting.

In a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and milk.

Mix until smooth and creamy. Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Spread the frosting over the warm crust.

Top with the remaining crumb mixture, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or aluminum foil and cut into bars. Serve and store in an airtight container.

Notes

To ensure the crust doesn’t become too dark, keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes of baking.

If using walnuts, be gentle when folding them into the mixture to avoid crushing.

For a smooth frosting, make sure the butter is at room temperature, and don’t overmix.

If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk.

If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.

To avoid the frosting melting into the warm crust, let it cool for 5 minutes before spreading.

When spreading the remaining crumb mixture on top, press gently to avoid pressing too hard and causing the crust to break.

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Store the Frosted Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 4g