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Oatmeal Fudge Bars – oatmeal cookie bars topped with a layer of rich chocolate fudge and then more oatmeal cookie.
Recently I shared with you a recipe for Fudge Nut Bars. It was the bars that my grandma made all the time growing up. As much as I loved those bars, nuts in dessert is not my favorite thing. I will snack on desserts, chop them up and put them on Asian Noodle Bowls. But actually pairing them with sweet stuff is not my favorite.
I am one of those strange people who doesn’t like the sweet and salty combination. So something like a Snickers bar isn’t my favorite.
During the holidays when I make my fudge recipe, I always leave the nuts off. But if my mom is visiting, I always sprinkle nuts on a portion of it, just for her. Which is also the beauty of these oatmeal bars, you can leave the nuts off the whole thing or if you absolutely love nuts, add some!
And if you are into making them even more fun these M&M Chocolate Oat Bars are a must try for sure.
How to Make Oatmeal Fudge Bars
- An electric mixer makes the dough come together quickly and easily. Start with softened butter and beat with the brown sugar until it is light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla until it is combined. And then stir in the flour, oats, baking soda and salt like you would a traditional cookie dough.
- About 2/3rd of the cookie dough gets pressed into the bottom of a baking dish. Reserve the rest for the top.
- I use the microwave to melt the chocolate for the fudge, but if you want to use a sauce pan you can. Just keep it at a low heat so you don’t burn it. The chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt get melted until it is nice and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cookie base in the pan and spread into an even layer.
- Then crumble the reserved cookie dough over the top of the chocolate.
- Bake until the dough is set and starting to turn golden brown. It is bet to let these cool before slicing.
How to Store Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Just cover the baking dish with foil or a tight fitting lid and they can sit on the counter for 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Yep, you absolutely can. Let them cool completely and then slice and place in an airtight container before placing in the freezer. To thaw let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
These Oatmeal Fudge Bars are one of those desserts that just takes you back to when you were a kid. If you great up in the Mid West, you for sure know what these are. They go by a few different names, but they are a classic. The brown sugar cookie dough is so good and works perfectly with the chocolate fudge layer.
More Chocolate Dessert Recipes To Try
- Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
- French Silk Pie
- Gooey Brownie Pie
- Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake
- Double Chocolate M&M Cookies
- Triple Chocolate Skillet Brownie
- Chocolate Milkshakes
Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Video
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups old fashion oats
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Fudge Layer
- 1 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a 13x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In an electric stand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir in oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Press 2/3rds of mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a microwave safe bowl melt together chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter and salt. Heat for 1 minute, stir until smooth. Heat at 15 second intervals if it needs more.
- Mix in vanilla. Stir until well combined. Pour over base mixture, spread evenly.
- Crumble remaining base mixture over the fudge layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and starting to turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I made these today and, while the individual components tasted good, I think a 9×13 pan is too small, and the cook time is too low for how thick these turn out to be. Even with them still kinda cooking from residual pan heat I think they needed another 5-10min despite seeming done at 30min. There is also way too much fudge. Not all bakes turn out the first try, even for experienced bakers, so I think if I ever made these again I would use a larger sheet pan, or, if stayed with the 9×13, I’d only use half the amount of fudge and save the rest for some ice cream.
I made these for the first time to add to some holiday gifts and I am so happy I did! Delicious, easy, and truly rival Starbuck’s Oat Fudge Bars, and I would know- I worked there for years in my youth. Instantly saved and would really recommend them.
These are SO delicious. Baker beware though, they are addicting! I have to force myself to stop eating them!
These oatmeal fudge bars are an absolute delight! The combination of chewy oatmeal layers and a rich fudge filling is pure perfection. Each bite is a heavenly experience, and I love how the flavors and textures complement each other so well. These bars are my go-to treat, and they never fail to put a smile on my face. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates the magical union of oats and fudge in a delightful dessert!
i did receive a marriage proposal after making these for a party. At father’s day my dad nearly swooned. i just made them again for a bake sale. these are everything you need or want in a dessert bar.