Easy Rolled Oats Brown Sugar Bars Recipe – Quick Baking Idea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Rolled Oats Brown Sugar Bars Recipe – Quick Baking Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you sometimes crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. These rolled oats and brown sugar bars are my go-to when that happens. They’re incredibly easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and honestly? They disappear pretty quickly in my house! I first made these when my niece was visiting, and we had so much fun baking (and eating!) them together. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a winner for so many reasons. They’re quick – ready in under an hour. They require minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. And the best part? They’re deliciously chewy, perfectly sweet, and a fantastic little pick-me-up with a glass of milk. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those oats!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these yummy bars:

• 1.5 cups rolled oats (approximately 150g)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar (approximately 100g)
• 1 tablespoon butter (approximately 14g)
• 1 cup milk (240ml)
• 0.5 cup water (120ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla essence (2.5ml)
• 0.5 cup rolled oats (approximately 50g) – yes, we use oats twice!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little things can make all the difference!

Rolled Oats: Types & Benefits

We’re using rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) here. They give the bars a lovely chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats will work in a pinch (see FAQs!), but the texture won’t be quite the same. Rolled oats are also a fantastic source of fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Brown Sugar: Light vs. Dark & Flavor Impact

I prefer using light brown sugar for these bars, as it gives a lovely caramel flavour without being too molasses-y. Dark brown sugar will give a richer, deeper flavour if you prefer! About 100g is perfect for that balanced sweetness.

Butter: Salted or Unsalted?

You can use either salted or unsalted butter. If you’re using salted butter, you might want to reduce any added salt in the recipe (this recipe doesn’t include added salt, so it’s not a concern here!). I usually use unsalted so I have more control over the flavour.

Vanilla Essence: Quality & Alternatives

A good quality vanilla essence really enhances the flavour. If you don’t have vanilla essence, you can use a pinch of cardamom powder for a lovely Indian twist!

Milk: Dairy & Non-Dairy Options

Any kind of milk works beautifully here! I usually use full-fat milk for a richer flavour, but you can use skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk – whatever you have on hand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Now, in a mixer, combine 1.5 cups of rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla essence, and water. Blend until it’s a coarse mixture – you don’t want it completely smooth.
3. Pour this mixture into a bowl and gently mix in the remaining 0.5 cup of rolled oats. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more water – just a tablespoon at a time.
4. Grease a 4×4-inch baking tray with butter. This is important to prevent sticking! Then, pour the oat mixture into the tray and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
6. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This is the hardest part, I know! Serve with a glass of cold milk and enjoy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make these bars even better:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

Don’t over-blend the mixture! You want some texture from the oats. A slightly coarse mixture is perfect.

Preventing Sticking & Easy Removal

Greasing the baking tray really well is key. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra insurance.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

If you prefer less sweet bars, reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Rolled Oats Brown Sugar Bars

Simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based milk. It’s that easy!

Gluten-Free Rolled Oats Brown Sugar Bars (Oat Certification)

Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats if you have a gluten intolerance. Oats themselves don’t contain gluten, but they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat.

Spice Level Variations (Cinnamon, Nutmeg)

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavour. My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom – it’s divine!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Christmas)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. For Christmas, a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top is always fun!

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with:

• A cold glass of milk
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A cup of chai (Indian spiced tea)

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? (If there are any!)

Room Temperature Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the bars will be softer and less chewy. They’ll still taste good, but the texture will be different.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

What is the best way to cut these bars neatly?

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

What milk alternatives work best in this recipe?

Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk all work well. They might slightly alter the flavour, but they’ll still be delicious!

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these easy rolled oats brown sugar bars. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!