M&M Chocolate Bars Recipe

Introduction

These M&M Chocolate Bars are a delightful combination of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and colorful candy for a fun and satisfying treat. Perfect for sharing or satisfying a sweet craving, they are easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (11.5-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup plain M&M’s

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and 1 cup of the softened butter. Mix well with a spoon.
3. Step 3: Remove 1 cup of this oat mixture and set it aside for topping later.
4. Step 4: Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
5. Step 5: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the oat crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer, then top with the plain M&M’s.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is set and golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture before baking.
• Use peanut butter M&M’s or other flavored candy for a different twist on flavor and color.
• If you prefer a fudgier texture, reduce the oat topping slightly or press it more firmly before baking.

Storage

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To soften chilled bars before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned rolled oats, but the texture may be chewier and less smooth. Quick oats blend better in the crust and topping.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

M&M Chocolate Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 106 reviews

These M&M Chocolate Bars are a delightful treat featuring a chewy oat and brown sugar base topped with a luscious melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk layer, finished with a colorful sprinkle of M&M’s. Perfect for a dessert or snack, they combine rich chocolate flavors with a satisfying oat crunch.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Topping

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup plain M&M’s

Chocolate Layer

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (11.5-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, quick-cooking rolled oats, packed light brown sugar, salt, and 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Stir with a spoon until well mixed. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture separately for later use.
3. Form the Base Layer: Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
4. Prepare Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate chips, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble Layers: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the oat base layer in the baking dish. Spread to cover the entire surface. Then sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of oat mixture over the chocolate layer for a crumbly topping.
6. Add M&M’s and Bake: Scatter the plain M&M’s evenly on top of the crumbly oat layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and set.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

• Make sure to cool the bars completely; warm bars may be too soft and fall apart when cut.
• You can substitute plain M&M’s with peanut or other flavored varieties for a different twist.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: M&M Bars, Chocolate Bars, Oat Bars, Sweet Treat, Dessert Bars, Easy Dessert