I know we’ve only just entered into August but I feel like everyone is already talking about back-to-school and the fall season. I’ve even seen products for Halloween decor popping up! To me, we still have all of August as summer – summer, not fall! No Halloween talk until at least September, you know? People start earlier and earlier every year. Sorry, I’m just not there yet. But I do understand that many of you are needing to get into that mindset of kids heading back to school. It’s definitely that time of year!! And it’s crazy the differences in when kids go back to school. I’ve seen it from August 1st (Atlanta area) till after Labor Day (NYC area). Back when I was in middle school, my mom was always in need of quick dessert recipes to make for my brothers and me to bring to school events. So many parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, and even bake sales are happing this time of year. I love a back-to-school event that allows everyone to have a little fun baking in the kitchen. But it’s a busy time of year, so simple and easy recipes are what we need. And very few things are easier than a magic bar. I’m excited to share my oatmeal cookie variation here today.
Details
Step 1: make the cookie base I use the word cookie loosely. Technically this is just a base of oats, butter, and vanilla. Regardless, the oaty base tastes just like a crisp oat cookie once it’s baked up. All you do is mix instant oatmeal with melted butter and vanilla. Then take the mix and press it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Step 2: layer the bars My magic bars are not traditional with the ingredients I use. I usually leave out the graham crackers and butterscotch chips. But I do double the chocolate! So layer as follows: first the sweetened condensed milk, then the shredded coconut. I use unsweetened, but the sweet stuff works too. Next comes the chocolate chips followed by roasted peanuts, but any nut will work. I do think peanuts are especially yummy, however! But you do you. Step 3: push everything down Next, take your hands and push down on the bars to help submerge the ingredients into the sweetened condensed milk. These might seem dry but they bake up beautifully! And then you bake. Step 4: one last sprinkle of chocolate. As soon as the bars come out of the oven add a handful of chocolate chips and sprinkle some sea salt (if desired). The chocolate melts into the bars. So easy and totally no-fuss, you can’t mess these up! They’re chocolatey, salty, sweet, gooey, and have just the tiniest bit of CRUNCH. I love to double the recipe, then cut up the second batch and send them off with friends or family to enjoy. A little goodie treat! Oh, and I have to mention that these will be amazing for the upcoming football season! Game treats are always welcome. Looking for more quick desserts? Here are a few to try: Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 4 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse No Fuss Coconut Lime Tart salted pretzel magic bars Lastly, if you make these Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
