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A thick and rich layer of Nutella between buttery rich oats makes these Nutella Oatmeal Bars the perfect treat for the party. You only need one bowl and about 10 minutes to whip these crumble bars up! A simple recipe to bake up in no time!
This recipe was originally posted December 2018. Updated photos and copy to include process shots and other details to were included in February 2024
These rich and delicious Nutella oatmeal bars were inspired by my favorite mixed berry bars and these apple crumb bars. I think you will agree that the Nutella is the perfect chocolate layer to be sandwiched between two buttery layers of oats. A perfect simple dessert recipe!
These Nutella bars combine my favorite with my favorite: Nutella and oats. I have made these chewy oatmeal bars so many times and every time I make them I think, why would I EVER make any other dessert?
They require only one bowl to make. These are a matter of mix and press–not much else beyond that.
Did I mention there is Nutella involved? Seriously, hooked with one word, that’s me. Have them for breakfast with these Nutella Overnight Oats and make sure to check out these Nutella Thumbprint Cookies and this Nutella Mug Cake Recipe!
Why You Will Love These Nutella Oat Bars:
- It’s a ridiculously easy recipe to make. No special equipment required to make these creamy Nutella filled oat bars. Just a medium bowl and a spoon should be all you need aside from the measuring utensils! Stir and then press into a pan. Spread the chocolate hazelnut goodness over top and then add a top layer of oatmeal crumble and you are set!
- Could easily double as a fun sweet breakfast recipe as well as dessert. Oatmeal is a breakfast food right? These are surely a dreamy dessert, but a brunch or fun breakfast spread would be great to add these bars to!
- Requires minimal and simple ingredients. Pantry staples, especially if you are a Nutella lover like me! We always have at least a couple jars on hand. Other than that you just need butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, and flour for the bulk of the recipe.
Recipe Ingredients:
- oats: rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats are what you will need for this recipe. I have made this recipe using quick oats and it does work, but I prefer the rolled oats for the best texture in these bars.
- flour: all purpose flour is used in this recipe. You are more than welcome to use a 1:1 gluten free all purpose flour in these Nutella Bars. Use gluten free rolled oats as well in order to keep the entire recipe gluten free.
- butter: I use unsalted butter but you could use salted if preferred. Melted butter but not overly hot.
- brown sugar: I use light brown sugar. You can opt for dark brown sugar but the flavor will be bit more bold
- baking powder: make sure it’s fresh!
- salt: we use sea salt in this recipe but table salt is fine
- vanilla: a good vanilla extract will really up the flavor game in these bars!
- Nutella: you can use the name brand Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread but another brand or store brand variation will work as well. You can also technically use almond butter, peanut butter, chocolate almond butter, etc. or another favorite in this recipe instead if preferred!
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. (steps 1 and 2)
- Add butter and vanilla to the oat and flour mixture and mix until combined and crumbly texture. (steps 3 and 4)
- Place 2/3 (roughly 2 cups) of the oat crumble mixture into a parchment lined or well greased 8×8 in. baking dish. Reserve 1/4 of the mixture and set aside for the top layer. (step 5)
- Press the crumble mixture firmly into the pan. When I say press firmly, I promise you I mean FIRM. This part will make or break whether your bars hold up well and are easily eaten as finger food aside from the crumbles that fall off the top. Get it all in there and use all of your strength. You will thank me later! (step 6)
- Spread Nutella on top of oat layer. Spread it evenly. I go for a nice heaping 1/2 cup of Nutella most times which creates a good chocolate layer. If you find it does not seem to be enough, going up to about 2/3 cup should still be fine. (step 7)
- Top the Nutella with an even layer of the rest of the crumble mixture. Try your best to evenly distribute this layer. (step 8)
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown top and then allow to cool on a wire rack. If you want really nice cut Nutella bars, chill the bars for a few hours and then cut them. It makes it so much easier and much less mess. You can let them sit out for a bit after that to soften a bit.
Recipe Tips:
- For gluten free bars, just use gluten free rolled oats and a gluten free all purpose flour.
- For easy cutting, refrigerate your bars before slicing. If you refrigerate the oat bars for a few hours and then use a sharp knife to cut, the Nutella will hold up better and not ooze out everywhere. The oat crumble at room temperature can also break pretty easily so chilled is best if you want pretty squares!
- Make sure to really press the bottom layer into the pan. This will keep it from crumbling apart (pun intended, ha) when cutting the crumble bars up. The top layer does not need to be pressed down though.
- Feel free to add some toasted chopped hazelnuts to this recipe. You can stir some into the oat mixture or even in the Nutella layer for a bit of a crunch!
Storage:
To store these oatmeal bars, allow to cool and then place in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for about 3-4 days. You can refrigerate them for about one week although they can dry out slightly in the fridge.
These bars can be frozen–my parents tested them after thawing and they were great. I double wrapped them after they cooled. Then place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Other Dessert Recipes:
- Nutella Stuffed Ritz Cracker Cookies
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Flourless Nutella Mug Cake
- Golden Oreo Truffles
- Apple Crumble Bars
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Nutella Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c rolled oats
- 1 ½ c flour
- 1 c unsalted butter, melted
- 1 c light brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ – ¾ c Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, stir together all ingredients except Nutella.
- Press 3/4 of the mixture firmly into a parchment lined or well greased 8inx8in baking pan.
- Spread the Nutella onto the oat layer–feel free to add a little more because can you ever really have too much Nutella?
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the Nutella and bake for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Cool well before cutting–unless you like your crumble bars hot and crumbly of course! Store in an air tight container.
Notes
- For gluten free bars, just use gluten free rolled oats and a gluten free all purpose flour.
- For easy cutting, refrigerate your bars before slicing. If you refrigerate the oat bars for a few hours and then use a sharp knife to cut, the Nutella will hold up better and not ooze out everywhere. The oat crumble at room temperature can also break pretty easily so chilled is best if you want pretty squares!
- Make sure to really press the bottom layer into the pan. This will keep it from crumbling apart (pun intended, ha) when cutting the crumble bars up. The top layer does not need to be pressed down though.
- Feel free to add some toasted chopped hazelnuts to this recipe. You can stir some into the oat mixture or even in the Nutella layer for a bit of a crunch!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Hi so if making the 2x or 3x can you pls tell me what size pan you will be using and would the cooking time also change, and is this measure in US cups thank you
Hi Sharon! This is measurement in US cups. If you double the recipe, a 9×13 pan should work well. To triple, I would use two separate pans–a 9x 13 and then 8×8 inch. I hope this helps!
Only suggestion is to not put nutella right up to the edge of the bars – it will burn.
Ohhhh good call—thanks for the feedback. I always try to cover the edges with as much of the crumble as possible so none of the Nutella peaks out. This is a good recipe note in general!!
WHOA. I made my own “nutella” and have put away 2 batches in about 10 days time. :-O THANK YOU Lemons + Zest!!!
Oh yummmmm—I have never made homemade Nutella but that sounds amazing to me!
So simple and SO dang good!!!
??????
Oh my goodness these were sooooo good. Nutella is life!
It really is!!
I grew up eating nutella! This crumble bar is perfect for any kid at heart! Easy and delicious!
They never last long around here. ❤️
OMG, how wonderful to pair nutella with oats. A real treat!
Best combo everrrr