The Sweet Story Behind the Recipe
Every great dessert tells a story, and these Oatmeal Apple Chocolate Bars are a narrative of comfort, nutrition, and pure delight. Imagine a recipe that brings together the wholesome goodness of oats, the natural sweetness of apples, and the rich indulgence of chocolate. This isn’t just a dessert – it’s a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a treat that nourishes both body and soul.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Base
- Oat Flakes: 100g (3.5 oz / 1 cup)
- Plain Flour: 75g (2.6 oz / 1/2 cup)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (1.5g)
- Vanilla Sugar: 1g (1/4 teaspoon)
- Vegetable Oil: 70ml (2.4 fl oz / 1/3 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Sugar: 50g (1.8 oz / 1/4 cup)
- Alternative: Erythritol 50g
- Walnuts: 1 handful, chopped (about 30g / 1 oz)
For the Apple Filling
- Apples: 2 medium (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
For the Chocolate Topping
- Chocolate: 90g (3.2 oz)
- Whipping Cream: 80ml (2.7 fl oz / 1/3 cup)
Additional
- Vegetable Oil: For greasing pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease a baking pan with vegetable oil
- Wash and core the apples
- Dice apples into small, uniform pieces
- Squeeze lemon juice over apples to prevent browning
- Chop walnuts into small pieces
- Make the Oatmeal Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oat flakes
- Sift in plain flour
- Add baking powder
- Mix in ground cinnamon
- Sprinkle in vanilla sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg
- Add vegetable oil and sugar
- Whisk until well combined
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients
- Mix until a soft dough forms
- Fold in chopped walnuts
- Prepare the Apple Layer
- Spread oatmeal mixture in prepared pan
- Create an even, compact base
- Arrange diced apples evenly over the base
- Gently press apples into the mixture
- Bake the Bars
- Place in preheated oven
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Look for golden-brown edges
- Toothpick inserted should come out clean
- Remove from oven
- Let cool completely
- Make the Chocolate Topping
- Chop chocolate into small pieces
- Heat whipping cream in a saucepan
- Just before boiling, remove from heat
- Pour hot cream over chocolate
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes
- Stir until smooth and glossy
- Pour chocolate over cooled bars
- Tilt pan to spread evenly
- Finish and Serve
- Let chocolate set for 30 minutes
- Cut into squares
- Serve at room temperature
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 Bar):
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Cooling Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes Servings: 12 bars
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor
- Don’t overmix the oatmeal base to keep it tender
- Cool completely before adding chocolate topping
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain chocolate’s shine
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour
- Vegan Option: Replace egg with flax egg
- Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or use seeds
- Sugar-Free: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener
- Chocolate Variations: Try dark, milk, or white chocolate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes! They keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Q2: How do I store these bars? A: Keep at room temperature or refrigerate.
Q3: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, freeze without the chocolate topping for up to 1 month.
Q4: What if I don’t have vanilla sugar? A: Use vanilla extract or regular sugar.
Q5: How can I make them healthier? A: Reduce sugar, use whole wheat flour, add more nuts.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store 2-3 days
- Refrigeration: Keep in airtight container for 5 days
- Freezing: Wrap individually, freeze up to 1 month
- Prep Ahead: Make base and apple layer a day in advance
Enjoy these delightful Oatmeal Apple Chocolate Bars – a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence!
