Oatmeal Molasses Bars

From Becky: Mom found the original recipe on a flour bag when I was about 12 years old. I altered the recipe in the last year to include flax seed and omit shortening because of the health benefits. (Matt says the flax seed label promises eternal life.) My kids love them--and they even know there's flax seed in it.

Original Oatmeal Molasses Bars
1 ½ C brown sugar
1 C shortening
2 eggs
2 TBS molasses
2 tsp vanilla
3 C quick cooking oats
1 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 C chocolate chips

Cream sugar and shortening then add eggs until well beaten. Add remaining ingredients and mix until moistened. Bake at 350 degrees in greased 9”x13” pan or cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes.


Becky’s Version of Oatmeal Molasses Bars
1 ½ C brown sugar
¾ C canola oil
½ C ground (milled) flax seed – available at WinCo in the bulk section or the flour aisle on the top shelf
2 eggs
3-4 TBS molasses
2 tsp vanilla
3 C quick cooking oats
1 scant C white flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream sugar, oil, and ground flax seed. Add eggs until well beaten. Add remaining ingredients and mix until moistened. Bake at 350 degrees in greased 9”x13” pan for 17-18 minutes. I have the best luck using an old thin, aluminum cake pan.