Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch pan.
• In a large bowl combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Add 1 1/4 cups softened butter to the dry ingredients and use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened.
• Divide the crumb mixture in half. Press one half firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.
• For the filling, place 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Whisk in the Nutella in two additions: add about half the 13-ounce jar first and whisk until incorporated, then add the remaining Nutella and whisk until smooth.
• Whisk in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until the filling is fully combined and smooth.
• Pour the filling over the pressed crust and spread into an even layer.
• Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the filling.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 350°F, until the top is set and the edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.