Description
Rich, fudgy, and decadently chocolaty, these Chocolate Mud Bars are a chocolate lover’s dream. With a gooey center, crackly top, and bursts of melty chocolate chips, they strike the perfect balance between brownie and bar. A sprinkle of optional nuts adds a little crunch, making these bars irresistibly good for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 cups rolled oats
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar (packed)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. This will be your base layer.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. This step thickens the filling and brings out the fresh fruit flavor.
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries, gently pressing it down to create a crunchy top layer.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then cut into bars or squares for serving.
Notes
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Great for using up fresh summer strawberries.
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The oat crust and topping are the same—just split the mixture.
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For a cleaner cut, chill the bars before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American