Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Dream Bars

Get ready to transform your fall gatherings and Halloween parties into unforgettable events with our absolutely irresistible Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars. This recipe is your secret weapon for elevating baking game, delivering a dessert that’s not just delicious but truly dazzling. Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures: a tender, chewy oatmeal cookie base, generously filled with a velvety cream, then crowned with a luscious marshmallow frosting and a generous scattering of vibrant Reese’s Pieces candies. These bars are a celebration in every bite, promising to satisfy every sweet craving and leave everyone asking for more!

Planning a party? We have more delightful treats to make your event spooktacular! Dive into these ghoulishly good Halloween Ghost Brownies, or try another peanut butter and chocolate classic with our Reese’s Pieces Magic Bars. For a wide array of options, explore these 50 Spooky Fun Halloween Cookies, and don’t miss out on the rich flavor of our Halloween Reese’s Monster Cookie Bars.

Why These Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars Will Be Your New Favorite

These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with our Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Marshmallow Cream Bars:

• A Symphony of Textures and Flavors: Each bar features a wonderfully chewy oatmeal cookie base, perfectly complemented by a rich, fluffy cream filling. This delightful combination is then crowned with a decadent, creamy marshmallow frosting, generously studded with crunchy, peanut buttery Reese’s Pieces Candies. It’s a multi-layered masterpiece that will have your taste buds singing.
• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a lively Halloween party, or simply looking for a delightful family treat, these oatmeal cream pie bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible taste make them perfect for any celebration, bringing smiles to faces of all ages. The peanut butter candies on top add an extra pop of color and flavor that everyone adores!
• Moist, Delicious, and Oh-So-Easy: Don’t let their impressive appearance fool you; these bars are surprisingly simple to make. They capture the nostalgic essence of classic oatmeal cream pies, but in a convenient bar form, with an even creamier, gooier frosting that is absolutely to die for! The rich moisture and tender chewiness of the oatmeal base make them truly addictive.
• Perfectly Spiced Oatmeal Goodness: Indulge in the comforting flavors of cinnamon and oatmeal that permeate these bars. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with delightfully golden, slightly crispy edges, creating an oatmeal cookie bar that’s truly superior.

Unveiling the Magic: What Makes These Bars So Special?

Beyond the delightful taste and texture, there’s a certain magic to these Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars. They evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood favorites, yet sophisticated enough to impress any adult palate. The combination of classic oatmeal cookies with the playful addition of Reese’s Pieces creates a unique dessert that stands out from the crowd. They’re hearty enough for a substantial treat but light enough to leave you craving another piece. This recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it, making it perfect for the festive autumn season, especially Halloween.

Gather Your Ingredients for Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars

To create these delectable bars, you’ll need the following high-quality ingredients. Using ingredients at room temperature when specified ensures a smoother batter and a better final texture for your baked goods.

For the Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars:

• 1 1/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature (This is crucial for a smooth, well-emulsified dough.)
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar or light brown sugar – use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper molasses flavor in your oatmeal cookie bars.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Vietnamese cinnamon (Vietnamese cinnamon offers a stronger, sweeter flavor, but any ground cinnamon will work beautifully.)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (The warm spice of ginger complements the cinnamon and oatmeal perfectly.)
• 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract (High-quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference.)
• 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs for a vegan option (Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.)
• 1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats (Quick oats provide a softer texture. Alternatively, you can pulse old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor a few times for a similar consistency.)

For the Marshmallow Cream Frosting:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (Again, room temperature is key for a fluffy frosting.)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this creates a smooth frosting.)
• 7 oz. Marshmallow cream (The star of our creamy, gooey frosting!)
• 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the frosting.)
• Toppings: Reese’s Pieces, or get creative with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or other sprinkles.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars

Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of oatmeal cream pie bars. Precision and patience are your best friends in baking!

Making the Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Base:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create a “sling.” This will make lifting the baked bars out of the pan incredibly easy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda until they are thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, both brown sugar and granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla extract. Continue beating on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the bars’ tender texture.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the large eggs one at a time. After each addition, stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Continue beating until the mixture is thick and creamy.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Oats: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, gently stir in the quick oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the oatmeal cookie dough into your prepared 8-inch square pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the dough into an even layer, pressing it gently into the corners of the pan.
7. Bake and Cool: Bake the oatmeal cream pie bars for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper sling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to the wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

How to Make the Dreamy Marshmallow Cream Frosting

This light and airy marshmallow cream frosting is the perfect topping for your oatmeal bars, adding a sweet, pillowy layer that complements the chewy base.

1. Whip the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Combine Frosting Ingredients: Add the marshmallow cream (often called marshmallow fluff), powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the whipped butter. Begin mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar, then gradually increase to medium speed. Continue mixing until the frosting is light, airy, wonderfully gooey, and perfectly creamy. If you desire a stiffer frosting, you can gradually add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
3. Assemble and Decorate: Once the oatmeal cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the marshmallow cream frosting evenly over the top. To make your bars extra festive and appealing, generously sprinkle them with Reese’s Pieces candies. If using other toppings like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, add them now.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once decorated, cut the large bar into individual squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe your knife clean between slices. Now, get ready to enjoy your magnificent Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars!

Storing and Making Ahead: Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Marshmallow Cream Bars

To ensure your delicious bars remain fresh and enjoyable, follow these simple storage tips:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store your frosted oatmeal cream pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft, chewy texture and keeps the frosting creamy.
• Refrigeration: While these bars can be refrigerated, the frosting might firm up slightly. If refrigerating, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Make-Ahead Option: If you’re planning ahead, you can bake the oatmeal cookie base a day or two in advance. Once the baked bars are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Prepare the marshmallow frosting just before you plan to serve, then spread it over the bars and add your Reese’s Pieces.
• Freezing for Later: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted baked bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars are spectacular as is, they’re also incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking!

• Frosting Alternatives: If you prefer to use shortening (Crisco) instead of butter in your marshmallow frosting, you absolutely can! While we’re partial to the rich flavor of butter, shortening will yield a very stable and fluffy frosting. For a vegan option, ensure you’re using vegan butter and a plant-based marshmallow creme.
• Topping Tweaks: You don’t have to stick to just Reese’s Pieces! Feel free to omit toppings entirely for a simpler look, or lightly dust with extra cinnamon for an elegant touch. For a pop of color and fun, add some festive sprinkles, especially for holiday gatherings.
• Mix-Ins for the Base: Introduce new flavors and textures into your oatmeal cookie base. Consider adding mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for extra decadence, pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, or traditional raisins for a classic oatmeal cookie twist.
• Apple Oatmeal Bars: Love the idea of fruit in your oatmeal bars? Fold in some finely chopped apples (about 1/2 cup) into the cookie dough for a delicious apple oatmeal bar dessert. If you go this route, consider swapping the marshmallow frosting for a rich cream cheese frosting – a match made in heaven!
• Warm & Unfrosted Delight: If frosting isn’t your preference, serve these oatmeal bars warm straight from the oven (or gently reheated) with a generous scoop of yummy vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle with some homemade salted caramel sauce or thick chocolate fudge sauce for an indulgent treat.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different warm spices in your oatmeal base, such as a pinch of nutmeg or allspice, to deepen the fall flavor profile. These bars are amazing with any warm, cozy spices! They’re the perfect fall and Halloween oatmeal bar recipe that everyone will adore, no matter how you serve them!

Expert Tips for Baking Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter texture in your baked goods.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense bars.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper sling is essential for easy removal of the bars from the pan. Without it, you risk breaking them when trying to get them out.
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to frost warm bars. The frosting will melt and create a sticky mess. Patience here ensures a beautiful, set frosting layer.
• Sharp Knife for Cutting: For clean, professional-looking squares, use a sharp, warm knife. Wipe the knife clean after each cut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
A: Yes! If you prefer a finer texture, you can pulse old-fashioned rolled oats a few times in a food processor to break them down slightly, mimicking quick-cooking oats. However, for a chewier, more rustic bar, old-fashioned oats can be used as is, though the texture will be slightly different.

Q: What if I don’t have Vietnamese cinnamon?
A: No problem at all! While Vietnamese cinnamon has a particularly strong and sweet flavor, any ground cinnamon will work perfectly fine. Adjust the amount to your taste if you prefer a milder cinnamon flavor.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: To make these gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it as directed by the flour blend) and certified gluten-free oats. Results may vary slightly in texture.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate them, they can last a bit longer, but it’s best to bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use peanut butter in the cookie base?
A: Yes, absolutely! For an even stronger peanut butter flavor, you can replace the ginger with 1 teaspoon of creamy peanut butter in the oatmeal cookie base. This would enhance the Reese’s Pieces theme even further.

This Fall and Halloween Oatmeal bar recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful and satisfying treat that perfectly combines the comforting goodness of a classic oatmeal cream pie with the irresistible peanut butter and chocolate magic of Reese’s Pieces. These bars offer a unique and delectable experience for any dessert lover, making them perfect for any occasion, anytime, anywhere!

So go ahead, indulge in a batch of these extraordinary Reese’s Pieces Oatmeal Cream Pie Bars. They are guaranteed to be a sensational addition to your recipe collection. Share your creations and spread the joy on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Until next time, happy baking!

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• Reese’s Cream Cheese Cookie Bars
• Halloween Reese’s Monster Cookie Bars
• Reese’s Oatmeal Cookies
• Healthy Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Cookies
• Ultimate Reese’s Marshmallow Cookie Pizza
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Recipe slightly modified from King Arthur Baking