If you’ve been wishing for a treat that’s part cookie, part brownie, and fully addictive, get ready—Ooey Gooey Bars are about to steal the spotlight in your kitchen. With a buttery crumb crust, a silky chocolate–condensed-milk filling, and a soft, glossy top that hides a chewy, candy-bar center, these bars deliver maximum decadence with minimum effort.
Even better? You only need five ingredients, one bowl, and less than half an hour of baking time. No mixer. No stress. Just rich, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Let’s make the dessert that lives up to its name—soft, sweet, gooey perfection.
⭐ Why You’ll Want to Make These Again and Again
- Only 5 ingredients—all simple pantry staples
- Ready in about 30 minutes (plus cooling)
- No mixer or special tools needed
- Naturally nut-free
- Perfect for sharing, gifting, or late-night cravings
🧈 Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional but delicious)
💡 Pro tip: For added texture, replace ½ cup of the graham crumbs with toasted coconut—or chopped pecans if you’re not avoiding nuts.
👩🍳 How to Make Ooey Gooey Bars
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving extra on the sides for lifting.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix the Gooey Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and remaining butter.
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until everything melts into a smooth, glossy mixture—usually 1½ to 2 minutes.
Stovetop option: Melt gently over low heat using a double boiler.
3. Assemble & Bake
Pour the warm filling over the crust, spreading evenly to the edges.
Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for balance.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are set and the center looks soft and shiny. (It will firm up as it cools.)
4. Chill, Slice, Enjoy
Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Lift out with the parchment and cut into 16 squares. Wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges.
💡 Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars
- Press your crust firmly so it doesn’t crumble.
- Don’t overbake—gooey is the goal!
- Use full-fat sweetened condensed milk for the right texture.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 2 months.
- Double the recipe easily—these freeze beautifully.
🍫 Fun Variations
- Salted Caramel Crunch: Swirl in ¼ cup caramel sauce before baking.
- Mocha Style: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the filling.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Spoon dollops of PB into the filling and marble gently.
- Holiday Edition: Add colored sprinkles or crushed peppermint.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crumbs.
🎁 How to Serve or Gift Them
- Holiday tins: Place each bar in a cupcake liner for easy gifting.
- Teacher treats: Wrap two bars in a clear bag with a ribbon.
- Movie night: Serve alongside popcorn and cold milk.
- Fancy dessert tray: Cut into bite-size squares and set on a gold or white platter.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace condensed milk with marshmallows?
No—sweetened condensed milk is what gives these bars their signature chewy texture.
Why are my bars too soft?
They need more time to chill. Refrigerate for at least one full hour.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut oil instead of butter.
Can I skip the crust?
You can, but the crust provides structure and the classic “bar” feel.
✨ Final Thoughts: Simple, Gooey Bliss
Ooey Gooey Bars prove that incredible desserts don’t need complicated steps or long ingredient lists. With their buttery base, caramel-like center, and shiny chocolate top, they’re the kind of treat you’ll make once and crave forever.
So grab a can of condensed milk and those chocolate chips—you’re just minutes away from a dessert that’ll have everyone asking, “Where did you buy these?!”
If you try them, I’d love to hear your twist—extra salt? Espresso? Holiday sprinkles? Share your gooey creation! 🍫💛
