Chocolate Revel Bars
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:47PM 
Once again, I’m just a little late to the party. It seems that Revel Bars have been around for a very long time, and sadly, I had no idea. Not one person in all my days has mentioned these to me. It seems that there are lucky people all over this country who grew up eating them… their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and I’m sure even a few uncles made them, and all the while, I had none. Sigh. You’d think someone somewhere, sometime might have pointed this out to me.
But better late than never, they say. And happily, just before Christmas I came across a couple different recipes for these lovely confections, and no one had to twist my arm to get them made and sampled. Wow. Are they ever good.
Basically, revel bars are just the easiest thing in the world to make and remind me of so many cookie bars that were invented in the 50’s and 60’s. They consist of a chocolate-y layer of deliciousness sandwiched between two layers of an oatmeal/brown sugar mixture that gets just slightly crispy and ultimately creates a cookie bar that is incredibly tasty and way too addicting. There are many versions of the Chocolate Revel Bar out there; this happens to be the no-nut version, but it would be perfectly acceptable to add some chopped walnuts to the oatmeal mixture. Equally scrumptious.
So pretty much whatever it is you’re doing there, I highly recommend that you put it down and go make yourself some of these. Unless, of course, you’re one of those fortunate people who grew up eating them, in which case, well, you can just keep on doing whatever. You probably already have some in your cookie jar right now, and that’s OK with me. Really. I’m fine with that. Really.
Chocolate Revel Bars
Click here for a printable recipe
1 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1 14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 12-oz. package chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Mix in eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Add flour, soda and salt. Stir in oatmeal and mix to combine.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips. Heat on high in microwave for a minute, remove and stir. Heat again, for 30 seconds at a time, until completely melted. (This step could also be done over low heat on the stove). Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of a greased and floured 15 x 10 jelly roll pan. My pan wasn't quite that big and they still came out great. Spread chocolate mixture over the oat mixture. Using your fingers, dot remaining oat mixture over the chocolate.
Bake in a 350 degree oven about 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Reader Comments (11)
LOL! I was one of those who grew up on these cookie bars. My mom made them and they were a family favorite. I haven't made them in a long time so this was a fun reminder to make some for my family.
These look so good and I like how easy they are to make. I'm going to make some this weekend. Thanks!
Yum! Gotta make me some of these!
I've made these a few times and recently made a version with peanut butter and they were amazing.
Wow. I love the idea of sticking some peanut butter in these. I'm assuming that you would add it to the chocolate mixture. That sounds really good. Thanks, Pamela.
I've never heard of these before but they look delicious. I'll definitely be giving these a try.
I have all the ingredients to make these bars! I'm going to make them for my kids today. I think they will really like them. Thanks for the great recipe.
I made these over the weekend and everyone LOVED them. They were fabulous! I'd never had them before, but I'll be making them again. Thanks!
Looks so good. I want to try to make them. Thanks for the great recipe.
I made these for the Super Bowl munching party -- delicious!! Thanks for sharing, Patti.
You're welcome, Judi!! Aren't those good? Thanks for letting me know!