Heavenly Oatmeal Bars Jordan Pond House

The memory is etched in my mind: a crisp autumn afternoon in Acadia National Park, the scent of pine needles and salt air mingling in the breeze. We had just finished hiking around Jordan Pond, the granite peaks reflecting in its still, clear surface. As we settled onto the lawn outside Jordan Pond House, famished and happy, a server appeared with a tray laden with their famous popovers and a platter of oatmeal bars. One bite, and I was transported. The buttery crunch of the oats, the rich chocolate-peanut butter glaze…it was the perfect ending to a perfect day. I’ve been chasing that flavor memory ever since, and this recipe, gifted from Lora Brody, comes incredibly close.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yields: 48 bars
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with substitutions, see variations)

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened)
• 1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 5 1/3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Equipment Needed

• 13×9-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer
• Wooden spoon
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). It’s crucial to have the oven at the correct temperature for even baking.
2. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan thoroughly. This will prevent the bars from sticking and ensure easy removal. You can use butter, cooking spray, or line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be well-combined and creamy. Don’t skimp on this step; it’s essential for a tender crust.
4. Stir in the light corn syrup, quick-cooking oats, and vanilla extract with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly moistened. The mixture will be quite thick. Make sure all the oats are coated with the butter-sugar mixture.
5. With buttered fingers, pat the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. This helps to create a compact and uniform crust. Press firmly to ensure the bars hold their shape when cut.
6. Bake in the middle rack of the preheated oven for 16 minutes. The dough will still look moist near the center, which is perfectly fine. It’s important not to overbake the bars; otherwise, they will become too dry and crumbly. Watch them carefully; they should be golden brown around the edges.
7. Cool the baked oatmeal bars in the pan on a rack until lukewarm. This allows them to firm up slightly before adding the glaze.
8. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter.
9. Stir the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over low heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. Stir constantly to ensure even melting. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
10. Spread the warm glaze evenly over the top of the lukewarm oatmeal bars. Use a spatula or knife to create a smooth, even layer.
11. Cool the bars completely before cutting them into 2×1-inch bars (or any size you prefer). You can refrigerate the bars to speed up the cooling process and make them easier to cut.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. The center should still look slightly moist when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter creams much better with the sugar, resulting in a more tender crust. If you forgot to take the butter out ahead of time, you can microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until softened, but be careful not to melt it.
• Even glaze distribution: To prevent the glaze from sticking to your spatula, lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray before spreading.
• Clean cuts: For clean, even cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
• Add a sprinkle: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with chopped peanuts, sea salt, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these heavenly oatmeal bars as a sweet treat any time of day. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a dessert after a meal. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnics.

• Room Temperature: Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: The bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per bar)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	172 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	82 g	48%
Total Fat	9.2 g	14%
Saturated Fat	4.3 g	21%
Cholesterol	10.2 mg	3%
Sodium	32 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	21.6 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	11.8 g	47%
Protein	3.1 g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Oatmeal Bars: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, such as Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Oatmeal Bars: Use certified gluten-free quick-cooking oats.
• Nut-Free Oatmeal Bars: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or tahini.
• Chocolate Variation: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), dried fruit (cranberries, raisins), or shredded coconut to the oat mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the oat mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
A: While you can use rolled oats, the texture will be slightly different. Quick-cooking oats create a more cohesive and less chewy bar. If using rolled oats, consider pulsing them in a food processor a few times to break them down slightly.

Q: My bars are too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A: The most likely culprit is overbaking. Be sure to remove the bars from the oven when the center still looks slightly moist. Another possibility is not pressing the oat mixture firmly enough into the pan.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: How do I get the glaze to set properly?
A: Ensure the glaze is spread evenly over the bars while they are still slightly warm. Allowing the bars to cool completely, or even chilling them slightly in the refrigerator, will help the glaze to set.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter?
A: Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

These Heavenly Oatmeal Bars from Jordan Pond House are a true taste of New England comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported to the shores of Jordan Pond with every delicious bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own! Perhaps you’ll discover a new favorite combination that rivals even the original. Enjoy!