Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe
If there’s one treat that truly brings smiles wherever it goes, it’s Oatmeal Fudge Bars. Imagine a buttery, chewy oat cookie base mingling with a thick, velvety layer of rich chocolate fudge, then finished off with a golden crown of oat crumb. These classic bars are pure happiness in every bite. Whether you serve them for a crowd or sneak a corner piece for yourself, Oatmeal Fudge Bars are an unbeatable combination of old-fashioned comfort and irresistible chocolatey decadence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Oatmeal Fudge Bars is how basic pantry staples transform into an unforgettable treat. Each ingredient brings something special—texture, flavor, or that signature gooey center everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter: Creates that indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth feel in both the oat base and fudge layers.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness and chewiness to the oats.
- Large eggs: Give structure and bind everything together for perfectly cut bars.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that makes the chocolate and oats sing.
- Old-fashioned oats: The secret to a hearty, chewy base and classic bar texture.
- All-purpose flour: Lends body and stability, making sure your bars hold up to those fudge layers.
- Baking soda: Adds just a little lift so the edges bake up golden.
- Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and highlights all the flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Gives the fudge its luscious, creamy texture and rich, sweet taste.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show for an ultra-chocolatey fudge center.
- Extra unsalted butter: Ensures your chocolate layer is shiny and smooth.
- Vanilla extract (again!): Enhances the chocolate and blends the layers together seamlessly.
- Additional salt: Just a tiny bit to keep the fudge from tasting too sweet.
How to Make Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy bar removal later. This step sets you up for easy, perfect Oatmeal Fudge Bars every time.
Step 2: Mix the Oatmeal Base
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is irresistibly light and fluffy—this is your foundation. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t worry, it’s supposed to be rustic!
Step 3: Create the Crust
Scoop out about a third of the oat mixture and set it aside for your topping. With the remaining oat mixture, press it evenly into your prepared pan. Press firmly so you get a sturdy base that won’t crumble when you slice the bars.
Step 4: Make the Fudgy Filling
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, extra butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until everything melts together in a glossy, thick fudge. This only takes a few minutes and smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Pour the warm chocolate fudge mixture all over your oat base, spreading it gently into every corner. Dot the reserved oat mixture in spoonfuls over the fudge layer. The bits of oat mixture create a beautiful, rustic top that will turn perfectly golden as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and your kitchen smells like a chocolatey dream. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this will make cutting them a breeze and ensure clean edges. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Garnishes
For the ultimate finish, dust your Oatmeal Fudge Bars with a little confectioners’ sugar, or sprinkle on a few mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you love a bit more texture. A drizzle of melted chocolate never hurt either!
Side Dishes
Pair these indulgent bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or some freshly brewed coffee. Their rich flavor makes them the perfect finisher for any meal, playdate, or afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars high on a rustic wooden board for casual gathering vibes, or place them in decorative cupcake liners for an elegant dessert spread. You can even cut them into petite squares and serve them as part of a cookie platter during holidays or bake sales—the possibilities are endless with Oatmeal Fudge Bars.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store your Oatmeal Fudge Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator—this will keep them fresh and chewy for up to a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey treat, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The fudge center will get perfectly melty again—just like fresh from the oven. For larger batches, heat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t overdo.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can substitute quick oats if that’s what you have on hand, but for the very best chewy texture, old-fashioned oats are the way to go. Quick oats will make the bars a bit softer and less hearty.
What’s the best way to cut Oatmeal Fudge Bars cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife. For extra-perfect edges, wipe your knife clean between cuts or even chill the bars briefly for super tidy squares.
Can I add nuts, and if so, which kind?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic stirred into the fudge layer—they add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. About half a cup should be just right.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top oat pieces should be golden brown, and the edges will start to pull away from the pan. The center will still be soft and fudgy, but it will set up as it cools, so don’t overbake!
Can I make Oatmeal Fudge Bars gluten-free?
Sure! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars will still be absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a tray of Oatmeal Fudge Bars with family or friends. They’re simple, nostalgic, and always a hit, no matter the occasion. I can’t wait for you to bake up a batch—they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent oatmeal fudge bars that marry the chewiness of oats with a rich chocolate layer, creating a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Fudge Layer:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the oatmeal base: Cream together 1 cup butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Layer the base: Press most of the oat mixture into the pan.
- Prepare the fudge: Melt together condensed milk, chocolate, butter, vanilla, and salt. Pour over the base.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the fudge layer.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
