Are you looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe that’s also surprisingly healthy? Look no further! These Quaker Oatmeal Squares are the perfect blend of sweet and chewy, satisfying your cravings without sacrificing your healthy eating goals. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. It's a delicious dish, a simple recipe, and a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meal ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats (Quaker Oats are perfect!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious oatmeal squares.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Let the oatmeal squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting much easier. Once cooled, cut into your desired size – smaller squares are perfect for parties!
Tips and Variations:
- Nuttier Squares: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Fruity Delight: Incorporate ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced twist.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to check the blend you use is suitable for baking.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.
Nutritional Information (per square – approximate, will vary based on size and ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These delicious Quaker Oatmeal Squares are a simple recipe that makes for a wonderful homemade treat. They're easy enough for beginner bakers, but still impressive enough for a crowd. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying dessert, this recipe fits the bill. Enjoy!