chocolate revel bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chocolate revel bars recipe

I have been making chocolate revel bars for as long as I can remember, and they are one of those recipes that always gets requested. These bars are a classic treat with a buttery oat crust, a layer of rich chocolate filling, and a crumbly topping. They are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just a sweet snack at home. My kids love them because they taste like a cross between a cookie and a candy bar, and I love them because they are so easy to put together.

The recipe comes from a vintage cookbook my mom gave me years ago. It is a simple, no-fuss dessert that uses pantry staples like oats, flour, butter, and chocolate chips. When you bake them, the chocolate gets gooey and the oat topping turns golden and crisp. The contrast between the soft, chewy base and the crunchy crumble on top is what makes these bars so special.

They are not too sweet, which I appreciate, and they hold up well for a few days in an airtight container. One of the best things about chocolate revel bars is how forgiving they are. You do not need any fancy equipment or special techniques. Just mix the dough, press half of it into a pan, spread the chocolate filling, and sprinkle the rest of the dough on top.

The key is to not overbake them. You want the edges to be set and the top to be lightly browned, but the center should still be soft. I always let them cool completely before cutting, otherwise the chocolate will run everywhere. These bars are also a great way to use up leftover chocolate chips or nuts if you have them.

I sometimes add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch. They are not the healthiest dessert, but they do have oats which provide some fiber, and dark chocolate has antioxidants. For a treat, I think they are a reasonable choice. Plus, they are portion controlled since you cut them into squares, so it is easy to enjoy one without overdoing it.

Chocolate Revel Bars

4.5 from 1911 votes

These chocolate revel bars feature a buttery oat crust and crumble with a rich, fudgy chocolate filling. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet everyday treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Oat Crust and Topping

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking oats

For the Chocolate Filling

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7Fold in the oats with a spatula until evenly distributed.
8The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
9Press about two-thirds of the oat dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
10Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.
11To make the chocolate filling, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
12Stir constantly until the chocolate chips and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes.
13Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
14Pour the chocolate filling over the pressed dough in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
15Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oat dough over the chocolate layer, gently pressing some pieces flat with your fingers to cover most of the surface.
16It does not need to be perfect; some chocolate will peek through.
17Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
18The center may still look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
19Place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Spatula
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 9g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips or add a half cup of chopped walnuts to the oat topping. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Chocolate Revel Bars Works

To store leftover chocolate revel bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature when you are ready to enjoy them.

For serving, I like to cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a platter for parties or family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These bars are always a hit because they are easy to transport, everyone loves the chocolate and oat combination, and they disappear fast. Whether it is a holiday celebration, a bake sale, or just a regular Tuesday, chocolate revel bars are a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert that never lets me down.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Revel Bars

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be a bit chewier. Quick-cooking oats are finer and create a more tender crust and topping. If you use old-fashioned oats, pulse them a few times in a food processor to break them down slightly for a better texture.

2. How do I store chocolate revel bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you stack them, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely. Let the bars cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

4. Why did my chocolate filling turn out grainy?

Grainy chocolate filling usually happens if the mixture is overheated or if moisture gets into the chocolate. Use low heat and stir constantly. Also, make sure your saucepan is completely dry before adding the ingredients. If the filling does become grainy, you can try whisking in a tablespoon of warm cream to smooth it out.

5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition. Stir up to 1/2 cup of nuts into the reserved oat topping before sprinkling it over the chocolate layer. You can also add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut or a handful of mini marshmallows to the topping for extra flavor and texture.

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