Get ready to transform your ordinary snack time into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Orange and Oat Chewies are not just another boring bar recipe - they're a burst of sunshine in every bite. Imagine the perfect balance of sweet, tangy orange and hearty oats, baked to golden perfection that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious snacker, or just someone who loves delicious treats, these chewies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In another bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the wet ingredients.
- Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter. Whisk the mixture until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix. The mixture should be somewhat crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly into the pan, ensuring it reaches all corners.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top should look slightly firm to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- After cooling, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. You should be able to get about 24 bars from this recipe.
- Store the Orange and Oat Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh orange juice for the most vibrant citrus flavor - bottled juice works, but fresh is always best!
- Make sure your butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent the dry ingredients from clumping.
- Don't overmix the batter - a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will help maintain the chewy texture.
- For extra zest, consider adding some orange zest to intensify the citrus notes.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to a week.
- For a variation, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts to the mix for additional flavor and crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
