Chocolate Revel Bars

These Chocolate Revel Bars are a classic, heart-warming treat that layers a thick, buttery oat dough with a rich, fudge-like chocolate center. Inspired by traditional Amish baking, these bars are filling and satisfying without being “knock-you-down” sweet, making them a perfect companion for a cup of coffee or an afternoon snack.

A Treat Worth Keeping a Secret 

Lately, I’ve finally gotten around to trying a few recipes I’ve had on my “must make” list for well over a decade; today is one of them. I first read about Revel bars shortly after I got married, when I was reading an Amish romance. I’m pretty sure it was a Beverly Lewis one. If you’ve never checked out any of her books but enjoy reading, I think you’ll be very pleased. I love it when I can read something just for the pure pleasure (not because it is required as part of my job) and come out of it with a little wisdom to add to who I am.

I don’t remember which book this was, but in the story, the main character got her family out of the house so she could make these secretly as a surprise for her mother’s birthday. I remember thinking, “Now those must be some kind of good.” I sure wasn’t disappointed.

The thing I like about them is that they are sweet in the center, but have a nice balance. Of course, with the hearty dough, they are filling as well, which is another thing I really like in my cookies and treats, because you get into a lot less trouble that way! You might also be interested in my delicious No-Bake Scotcharoos!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Vanilla 
• Brown sugar (light or dark)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Baking soda
• Eggs
• Butter
• Salt
• Quick oats
• Chocolate chips
• Instant coffee granules (optional)

Note: I added the instant coffee part in order to help me get my recommended daily requirement of caffeine. It was delicious and just added a hint of somethin’ somethin’ to the bars, but all of the original recipes leave it out, so you just do whatever is easiest for you here. The bars will be yummy either way.

How to Make Chocolate Revel Bars

1. Cream the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter (minus those 2 tablespoons) and brown sugar until it’s nice and fluffy.

2. Mix the Dough

Add in your eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, and oats. Beat the tar out of it until it’s well combined.

3. Melt the Fudge

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips, the sweetened condensed milk, the 2 tablespoons of butter you saved, and the coffee granules.

Here is a top view of the bowl, in case you just really wanted to see it.

Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and dreamy.

4. Layer and Drop

Pour that chocolate goodness over your bottom crust and spread it all the way to the edges. Take the remaining 1/3 of your dough and drop little clumps of it all over the top of the chocolate. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the chocolate peeking through is what makes them look so good!

Spread that over your crust. Isn’t that pretty?

5. Bake to Golden

Pop them in the oven for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for the oat crumbles on top to be a light, golden brown. Let them cool entirely on the counter before you start cutting.

These bars stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container, and they actually get a little fudgier by the second day. They also travel really well and are perfect treats to send to work, school, or as gifts for friends.

Of course, you’ll need to sample a couple yourself first!

Revel Bars

These Chocolate Revel Bars are a hearty, oat-filled dessert featuring a rich chocolate-fudge center. This Amish-style recipe is easy to make in a single 9×13 pan and results in a sturdy, satisfying bar that’s perfect for gifting or sharing at a potluck.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Revel Bars

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or margarine I use whichever I have
• 2 cups light or dark brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2-1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups quick oats can use old fashioned

Filling:

• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips can use milk chocolate
• Optional: 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

Instructions

• Take 2 tablespoons of butter and set aside to use in filling.
• In large mixing bowl, place remaining butter and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Add all other dough ingredients and mix again until well combined.
• Pat 2/3 of mixture into bottom of greased 9×13 pan.
• Place all filling ingredients (including the 2 tablespoons of butter you set aside in step one) in a microwave safe bowl and cook at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until chocolate is completely melted. If adding instant coffee granules, stir well to make sure coffee granules are dissolved. Pour over crust and spread to the sides.
• Drop remaining dough in teaspoon sized drops over the chocolate.
• Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

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