Are you craving that warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible oatmeal bar you always get at Wendy's? Well, you're in luck! This recipe will teach you how to make a delicious, homemade version of these beloved treats, right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget expensive fast-food runs; these copycat Wendy's Oatmeal Bars are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready for a delightful homemade cooking experience!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 16 bars.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer or hand mixer comes in handy, saving you some elbow grease!
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Incorporating Oats and Mix-ins
Stir in the rolled oats, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick, but that's perfectly normal.
Step 5: Baking the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it 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 to prevent burning. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
Step 6: Cooling and Cutting
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This prevents them from crumbling and ensures clean cuts.
Tips and Variations:
- For a chewier bar: Use old-fashioned rolled oats.
- For a crispier bar: Use quick-cooking oats.
- Add chocolate chips: A half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
- Make it nut-free: Simply omit the nuts.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
This is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
These delicious Wendy's copycat Oatmeal Bars are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while incorporating some wholesome ingredients. Enjoy your homemade batch! They’re even better than the ones from the drive-thru! This recipe is among the best recipes for easy and delicious homemade treats.