there’s something about oatmeal cream pies that just feels like home. debbie did right with the soft, chewy oatmeal cookies, the luscious vanilla filling. one bite and I’m instantly transported to childhood lunches and sneaky after-school treats. but let me tell you, these oatmeal cream pie bars take all that nostalgic goodness and elevate it to a whole new level.
the inspiration~
I first made these bars on a whim, looking for something cozy yet easy to share. the classic Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies were always a favorite of mine, but I wanted something homemade, something a little thicker, a little chewier, with an irresistibly soft and creamy topping with a bit of that toasted marshmallow that warms you from within.
the first time I brought a batch to my coworkers, I barely had time to set them down before they were gone. the rich molasses-kissed oatmeal layer and the gooey, toasty topping were a hit. and my family? they immediately started haggling over the last piece, asking—no, begging—for the recipe. I gave them enough for each, thinking they’d had enough of my experimental goods, but they cried for more!
why you and yours will love these bars
soft & chewy: the perfect balance of hearty oats, warm brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon.
thick creamy topping: a rich, fluffy marshmallow vanilla topping that mimics the nostalgic snack, but better.
easy to make: no fussy individual cookies—just bake, top, slice, and enjoy.
perfect for sharing: these bars were made to be devoured at potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend at home.
tips & tricks
these are made to bake up right after mixing, but for the perfect texture and to develop the best flavor. I highly recommend letting the dough rest overnight, covered in the fridge.
the marshmallow top comes together quick and it takes a second for the bars to cool. I would wait until the bars are out of the oven to start making the fluff for the topping.
I torched the top in my video for the roasted marshmallow crispy crunch, but if you don’t have a kitchen torch you can always fill in the pan and pop back in the oven on broil. just keep an eye on it! broil always scares me with how quick it can burn.
the perfect cozy treat
these Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars are a richer, shareable twist on the classic treat. perfect for a weekend dessert, holiday gathering, or just when you need a bit of comfort, they’re sure to disappear quickly!
if you try them, let me know in the comments how they turned out! did your friends and family love them as much as mine did? for an extra cozy touch, enjoy a bar with a cup of tea or coffee and savor the homemade goodness.
happy baking!
some relevant links:
oatmeal cream pie bar
Equipment
- 1 8×8 square pan
- parchment paper
- hand torch
Ingredients
bars
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 egg yolk room temperatire
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
marshmallow cream
Instructions
- brown the butter. add brown sugar and honey. let cool for 5 minutes.¾ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey
- whisk in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until smooth.1 egg, 1 ½ tsp vanilla, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking soda
- stir in flour until just combined, then fold in oats.1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–23 minutes until golden brown let cool completely.
- spread the marshmallow cream over the cooled oatmeal bars.
Video
Notes
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