These chocolate walnut oat bars are a delightful treat, combining a chewy oat base with a rich chocolate and walnut filling.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Greasing the pan ensures the bars don't stick, making them easier to remove.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar properly helps create a tender texture.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Make sure the egg is at room temperature for better mixing.
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, salt, and baking soda.
Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the base tender.
Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture evenly.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the condensed milk and chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts.
Adding the walnuts off the heat preserves their crunch.
Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the oat base in the pan.
Ensure the chocolate layer is smooth for even baking.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer.
Crumbling creates a rustic, textured topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Check for a golden color to ensure doneness.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Cooling fully helps the bars set, making them easier to cut.