Oaty Nutella Bars

I made this treat for Dessert Wars.  Their theme for the month is Nutella...now how could I resist that?  An excuse to make more goodies with Nutella.....I'm on it!

This is a bit of a busy dessert, but it's quite tasty.  Think of it like a really, really suped-up O'Henry bar with Nutella.  It assembles quickly even though it has four layers.  I actually only intended three layers, but sometimes you just need a finishing touch.  ;)  Each layer has a distinctive texture....which tickles me.

Ahhh Nutella and dark chocolate.....how I love you!.  Nom, nom!


Oaty Nutella Bars

Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (one sleeve)
1/4 cup tub margarine, melted
2 tbls sugar

Mix everything together and press into an 8x8 greased pan.  Set aside.

Oaty Layer:
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup tub margarine, melted
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix together oats and brown sugar.  Stir in melted margarine, corn syrup, and vanilla.  Spread mixture over top of graham cracker crust and press down.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Chocolate Layer:
1/4 cup Smart Balance 50/50 butter blend
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup skim milk
2 tbls dark chocolate cocoa powder
1/4 cup Nutella
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup old fashioned oats, ground fine
2 oz of a dark chocolate with hazelnuts candy bar, chopped roughly

In a saucepan, mix together butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Let cook for one minute.  Remove from heat and stir in Nutella and vanilla  and mix until well combined. Stir in ground oats and chopped dark chocolate.  Spread across oaty layer.

Topping:
1/4 cup Nutella
3oz milk chocolate chips

Stir Nutella and chocolate chips together and heat in the microwave until smooth and melted together.  Spread across top of chocolate later.  Chill before slicing into squares.


A couple more pics....

More fun with my silicone heart shaped molds.  Heart shapes are my current favorite (like that's a surprise) since they are just so cute. These really need some drizzle across the top to finish them off though.

A closer look at the layers.....who wouldn't want to take a bite out of that?  Well....maybe someone who isn't a Nutella fan....I'm pretty sure that is some sort of sin though.  ;)


Dessert Wars Sponsors and January (Nutella Theme) Prize Package:

-Whisk and cupcake necklace from Moon & Star Designs

-The Smartshopper Electronic Grocery List Organizer

-Beanilla Sampler Pack of Vanilla Beans

-Lenox Personalized Musical Cupcake

-1,000 ideas for Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes

-Endless Vanilla and Cinnamon Extract
-Unlimited Layers: A Recipe for Turning Your Passion into Profits
-$50 Gift Certificate to Theme Kitchen
-$50 Coupon Redeemable for Organic Valley Products
-$50 Coupon Redeemable for Organic Prairie ProductsBEKA Cookware Crepe Pan