These Easter Goody Bars are a fun treat packed with colorful candy, crispy cereal, and drizzled chocolate. They’re chewy, crunchy, and oh-so-sweet!
Making these bars is a blast! I love mixing in my favorite candies, and they always disappear at family gatherings. It’s like having a taste of Easter in every bite! 🐣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for ensuring you control salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work well, giving a slightly different flavor.
Flours: All-purpose flour is used for structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix. Just make sure to check if it contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide chewiness. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they might make the bars softer. I love the texture old-fashioned oats give!
Chocolate Chips: You can mix and match chocolate types based on your liking—dark, milk, or white chocolate all add a sweet touch. For a fun twist, use peanut butter chips or toffee bits instead.
Candy Eggs: Mini candy-coated eggs add color and fun! If you want a healthier option, you can substitute with chopped dried fruit or nuts for crunch without the sugar.
How Can I Ensure My Bars Are Chewy and Not Dry?
To achieve that chewy texture, it’s crucial not to overmix the batter and to bake just until set. Follow these tips to keep your bars soft:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until they’re just blended; lumps are okay!
- Once baked, you’ll want to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Allow them to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack, if possible. This helps retain moisture!
How to Make Easter Goody Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Mix-ins and Toppings:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup mini candy-coated chocolate eggs (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate, chopped or chips, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, let the bars cool for a while to let the chocolate set. All in all, you’ll be enjoying your Easter Goody Bars in about an hour! Perfect for last-minute holiday treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it so that your bars don’t stick.
2. Mix the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a whisk or a large spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. This will help the sugars dissolve nicely.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to give your bars some lovely flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Add the Fun Stuff:
Now it’s the best part! Gently fold in the rolled oats, mini marshmallows, mini candy-coated eggs, and chocolate chips. You’re creating a delicious mixture that’s going to be so tasty!
7. Press into the Pan:
Take your mixture and press it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s spread out nicely so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden and the center to be set.
9. Add the Chocolate Topping:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped milk chocolate or chips over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes until the chocolate starts to melt.
10. Spread the Melted Chocolate:
Using a spatula or knife, carefully spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the bars. This will give them a delicious and pretty finish!
11. Decorate for Easter:
While the chocolate is still warm, get those lovely mini marshmallows and colorful candy-coated eggs and sprinkle them on top for a festive Easter look!
12. Cool Completely:
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. This will allow the chocolate topping to set nicely.
13. Slice and Enjoy!
Once they’re cool, take a sharp knife and cut the bars into squares. Now they’re ready to enjoy—share them with family or keep them all to yourself for a sweet Easter treat!
These Easter Goody Bars are chewy, delicious, and full of fun flavors. They’re perfect for your special holiday celebrations!
Can I Use Different Types of Oats?
Yes! While old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that quick oats may make the bars softer than the chewy consistency you’re aiming for.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate for about a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate. Just keep the overall volume in mind so the bars still hold together nicely!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make the bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free as well for the best results!
