Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these ooey gooey bars! They’re the kind of dessert that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, with a rich and chewy texture that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them—my kitchen was filled with the amazing aroma of melting chocolate and buttery goodness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! These bars are super simple to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making these deliciously decadent treats that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Mix
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your ooey gooey bars to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl, and mix the melted butter and brown sugar together. I like to use a whisk for this—just whisk it until it’s all nice and smooth. The combination of buttery goodness and sweet brown sugar is divine and sets the base for our bars!
Combine Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract to that buttery mixture. Mix it all together until it’s perfectly smooth—trust me, this is where the magic starts happening! In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once that’s done, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. I usually do this in batches, stirring gently until everything is just combined. And don’t forget to fold in those glorious chocolate chips—this is my favorite part!
Bake the Bars
Now, it’s time to pour the luscious batter into a greased baking pan. Spread it out evenly—this helps with even baking. Pop it in the oven and set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. You want that gooey center, so don’t overbake!
Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them set up a bit more. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re cool enough to handle, grab a sharp knife and cut them into squares. I like to serve them warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, indulgent flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Super easy to make—no fancy techniques required!
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or potlucks; everyone will want a piece.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins—nuts, caramel, or even a swirl of peanut butter!
- Quick prep and bake time, so you can have these delicious bars ready in no time!
- They’re the ultimate comfort food, bringing a smile to anyone who tries them.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect ooey gooey bars is all about those little tricks that can take your baking to the next level. Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your bars come out delicious every single time!
- Use quality chocolate chips: Trust me, the type of chocolate you use makes a huge difference in flavor. Go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for that rich, decadent taste.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: I know it’s tempting to cut into those warm bars right out of the oven, but allowing them to cool helps them set properly, making them easier to cut and enhancing that gooey texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or even chunks of your favorite candy bars. Nuts add a lovely crunch too!
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the brown sugar by half a cup without sacrificing texture. Just remember that brown sugar adds moisture, so don’t go too low!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time, but remember ovens can vary! If you’re unsure, stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Grease your pan well: For easy removal, I like to use parchment paper along with greasing the pan. It makes lifting the bars out super easy and keeps them intact.
- Store properly: Keep your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for a few days—if they last that long!
By following these tips, you’re sure to impress friends and family with your ooey gooey bars. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in these ooey gooey bars, it’s nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per bar. Just keep in mind that these are estimates, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
So, whether you’re enjoying a bar as a treat or sharing them with friends, you can savor each delicious bite while keeping these nutritional facts in mind. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about ooey gooey bars is that they store really well. You can make them a day or two in advance—just let them cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but honestly, they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. Just remember to let them sit out for a bit before serving, so they get that perfect gooey texture back!
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are so many fun alternatives to chocolate chips! You can use butterscotch chips for a sweeter flavor, white chocolate chips for a creamy twist, or even peanut butter chips for that delightful nutty taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even candy bar chunks! Just make sure whatever you choose complements the rich base of the bars. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to make each batch a little different!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! To check if your ooey gooey bars are done, keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but no wet batter. If it’s too wet, they need a bit more time in the oven, but don’t overbake! You want that gooey center, so err on the side of caution and check them a little early—better to be slightly underbaked than dry!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your ooey gooey bars fresh and delicious, storing them properly is key! Once they’ve cooled completely, place the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to extend their life a bit, pop them in the fridge. Just know they might firm up a little in the cold, so let them sit out for about 15 minutes before diving in for that perfect gooey texture!
If you find yourself with leftovers that you can’t finish (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. For a quick warm-up, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds—this will bring back that delightful gooeyness that makes these bars so irresistible! Enjoy your treats whenever the craving strikes!
Print
Irresistible Ooey Gooey Bars That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and chewy dessert bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served warm.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ooey gooey bars, dessert bars, chocolate bars