Gooey Chocolate Revel Bars 🍫—Oatmeal Layers

A Mouth-Watering Tale of Chocolate and Oatmeal

Ever had those moments when you're caught between a hankering for something sweet and a yearning for something a bit more substantial? The perfect solution to this perplexing dilemma is none other than the Chocolate Revel Bar. This delectable treat is a layer of rich, velvety chocolate sandwiched between two layers of chewy oatmeal cookie goodness. A fascinating creation, these bars are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.

But why are these treats called 'Revel Bars', you ask? Well, the origin of their name remains a mystery. But one bite into this mouth-watering creation will make you agree that it's a name worth remembering.

Chef RV's Magical Recipe

Drawing on the expertise of Chef RV, we have a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. This is not just another chocolate bar; it's a masterpiece, an ode to the culinary arts.

Ingredients

First, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Salted butter: 113 grams (1/2 cup)
• Brown sugar: 200 grams (1 cup)
• 1 egg
• All-purpose flour: 157 grams (1 1/4 cup)
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
• Rolled oatmeal: 135 grams (1 1/2 cups)
• Dark chocolate chips: 175 grams (1 cup)
• Condensed milk: 150 grams (approximately half of a 300 ml can)
• Salted butter: 57 grams (1/4 cup)

Please note that all measurements are approximate, but getting close should yield a delectable batch of Revel Bars.

The Art of Assembling

The beauty of these bars lies in their layered structure. Starting with a delectable oatmeal cookie base, the bar takes a delightfully unexpected turn with a rich, creamy chocolate layer. The finishing touch is dollops of oatmeal cookie mixture, creating a visually striking, scramble-like pattern.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch square pan, lining it with non-stick baking paper and a spray of non-stick baking spray.
2. Melt 113 grams of butter, add the brown sugar, mix well. Next, introduce the egg and baking soda to this mixture.
3. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and rolled oatmeal, mixing until you achieve a sticky dough-like consistency.
4. Using the same pan, melt together 57 grams of butter, the condensed milk, and the dark chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
5. Layer about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture in the pan, followed by the melted chocolate mixture.
6. Top with dollops of the remaining oatmeal mixture.
7. Bake for approximately 45 minutes.

A Look at the Nutritional Breakdown

With each serving (approx. 50 grams), you'll get:

Each serving of Chef RV's Chocolate Revel Bars packs a punch in terms of nutrition. For a serving size of 50 grams (total servings per recipe: 16), you're looking at roughly 214 calories, 10 grams of fat, 29 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein.

Best Enjoyed With...

While these bars are perfect on their own, you can take things up a notch by serving them with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Pair these bars with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon snack, or serve them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, melty bar with the cool, smooth ice cream will take your taste buds on a roller coaster ride!

Chef's Tips and Tricks

• Use Real Utensils for Authenticity: Chef RV emphasizes the importance of using real kitchen utensils. For example, using a real knife when cutting the bars to get a nice, sharp cut.
• Preparation Ahead of Time: The beauty of these bars is that they can last up to a week without refrigeration and up to a month if refrigerated. This means you can prepare them well in advance of a holiday or event, reducing stress and freeing up your kitchen for other tasks.
• Marbling Technique: To achieve the 'scrambled' or 'abstract' effect, do not aim for an even distribution when dropping the oatmeal mixture on top of the chocolate layer. The less uniform, the better.
• Savor the Texture: For a better texture, Chef RV recommends using rolled oatmeal instead of instant oatmeal to avoid sogginess. The rolled oatmeal gives the bars a more enjoyable texture.
• Choice of Sugar: The darker the brown sugar, the more flavor it will impart to the bars. This suggests that the type of brown sugar you use can significantly impact the taste.
• Balance the Sweetness: If you find dark chocolate too bitter, you can use ordinary chocolate. However, Chef RV uses dark chocolate to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. If you use milk chocolate, your recipe could become too sweet.
• Melt Carefully: When melting chocolate on a stove top, continuous stirring is essential. If not, it will get burnt and affect the texture, giving it a crystal-like form and reducing its smoothness.
• Cooling for Better Slicing: After baking, Chef RV suggests refrigerating the bars overnight before slicing. This ensures a firmer texture and cleaner slices.
• Personalize: You can add nuts such as walnuts or almonds for extra flavor and texture. Personalize your revel bars to your liking; as Chef RV says, "You put what would make yourself happy."

FAQs

What are Revel Bars?

Revel Bars are dessert bars with an oatmeal cookie layer on the bottom, a chocolate layer in the middle, and dollops of oatmeal cookie on top, giving them a 'scrambled' or 'abstract' effect.

Why are they called Revel Bars?

The exact origin of the name is unclear. They're also sometimes referred to as 'Scramble Bars' due to the 'scrambled' look of the oatmeal cookie dollops on top of the chocolate layer.

What type of oatmeal should I use in Revel Bars?

Rolled oatmeal is recommended for its better texture. Instant oatmeal might make your baked goods soggy.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the chocolate layer?

Yes, you can. However, dark chocolate is preferred to balance the sweetness. Using milk chocolate may make the bars too sweet.

How long can Revel Bars last?

Revel Bars can last up to a week without refrigeration. If refrigerated, they can last up to a month.

What should I do if I don't have non-stick baking spray?

If you don't have non-stick baking spray, you can brush your pan with butter or shortening.

Can I add nuts to the Revel Bars?

Yes, you can add nuts like walnuts or almonds to your Revel Bars for extra flavor and texture.

Why is the chocolate layer in Revel Bars cooked in a pan?

Melting the chocolate in a pan allows for better control over the texture. Remember to stir continuously to prevent the chocolate from burning.

What's the benefit of using a real knife when cutting the Revel Bars?

Using a real knife helps achieve a sharp, clean cut, making the bars look more attractive and appetizing.

You can watch Chef RV's YouTube video here.