A thick, rich layer of Nutella sandwiched between buttery oats makes these Nutella Oatmeal Bars a crowd-pleasing treat. You only need one bowl and about 10 minutes of hands-on time to assemble these crumble bars—simple, quick, and delicious.
This recipe was originally posted December 2018. Photos and text were updated February 2024 to include process shots and extra details.
These Nutella oatmeal bars grew from a love of buttery oat crumb and a craving for chocolate-hazelnut goodness. The dense Nutella layer pairs perfectly with two layers of buttery oat crumble to create a bar that’s great for dessert, parties, or a sweet breakfast option.
They’re easy to make and require just one bowl. Combine the dry ingredients, stir in melted butter and vanilla, press most of the mixture into an 8×8 pan, spread on Nutella, top with the remaining crumble, and bake. That’s it.
Why You Will Love These Nutella Oat Bars:
- Incredibly easy: No special equipment required—just a bowl and a spoon. Mix, press, spread Nutella, add the top crumble, and bake.
- Versatile: These bars work as a dessert, a treat for brunch, or even a fun breakfast addition thanks to the oat base.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Rolled oats, flour, butter, brown sugar, and a jar of Nutella are all you need for the bulk of the recipe.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Rolled oats: Use old‑fashioned (rolled) oats for the best texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but produce a softer, less substantial crumb.
- Flour: All‑purpose flour is called for. Substitute a 1:1 gluten‑free all‑purpose flour and gluten‑free rolled oats to make the recipe gluten free.
- Butter: Unsalted, melted (not piping hot). Salted butter can be used if preferred—reduce added salt slightly if so.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar gives a gentle caramel note; dark brown will add more depth.
- Baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh for proper rise and texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt (sea or table) balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract brightens the flavors.
- Nutella: Chocolate-hazelnut spread is the filling; other nut butters can be substituted if desired.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla and mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve about 1/4 of the mixture for the top layer and press the remaining 3/4 firmly into a parchment‑lined or well‑greased 8×8‑inch baking pan. Pressing the base firmly helps the bars hold together when sliced.
- Spread 1/2 to 2/3 cup of Nutella over the pressed oat layer in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble evenly over the Nutella to form the top layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack. For cleaner slices, chill the bars for a few hours before cutting; they will be easier to slice and less likely to crumble.
Recipe Tips:
- Make it gluten free: Use gluten‑free rolled oats and a gluten‑free all‑purpose flour blend.
- Chill before slicing: Refrigerate the cooled bars for a few hours before cutting so the Nutella sets and the squares slice neatly.
- Press the bottom layer: Press the base firmly into the pan so the bars hold together when served.
- Add texture: Stir toasted chopped hazelnuts into the oat mixture or sprinkle them over the Nutella layer for extra crunch and hazelnut flavor.
Storage:
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Refrigerate for up to one week (they may dry out slightly). To freeze, wrap tightly and place in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Other Dessert Recipes:
- Nutella Stuffed Ritz Cracker Cookies
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Flourless Nutella Mug Cake
- Golden Oreo Truffles
- Apple Crumble Bars
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Nutella Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour (or gluten‑free 1:1 blend)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly.
- Press about 3/4 of the mixture firmly into an 8×8‑inch parchment‑lined or well‑greased baking pan.
- Spread Nutella evenly over the pressed oat layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top and bake 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Cool completely. For neater slices, chill before cutting.
Notes
- Use gluten‑free oats and flour to make the bars gluten free.
- Refrigerate before slicing to prevent Nutella from oozing and to get clean squares.
- To add crunch, fold toasted chopped hazelnuts into the crumble or sprinkle over the Nutella layer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.