Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that will dazzle a crowd, turn an ordinary afternoon into something special, or simply satisfy every corner of your sweet tooth, these Oatmeal Fudge Bars are exactly what you need. With a buttery, brown sugar oat layer on the bottom, a dreamy, chocolatey fudge center, and even more golden oat crumbles on top, each bite is a festival of textures and flavors. Whether you’re whipping them up for a potluck or packing them in a lunchbox, these bars strike the magical balance between homemade comfort and show-stopping deliciousness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for these Oatmeal Fudge Bars is probably already waiting in your kitchen—simple pantry staples combine in the most brilliant ways. Each ingredient plays its part, bringing a chewy bite, a fudgy middle, or just the right touch of golden color to your bars. Here’s what makes these treats truly shine:

• Unsalted butter: This is the key to a rich, tender oat base and a smooth fudge layer—be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Packed brown sugar: Gives the bars a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the oatmeal layer perfectly chewy.
• Large eggs: Eggs give structure to the bars, helping everything hold together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way; it rounds out the sweetness and ties both cocoa and oats together.
• Old-fashioned oats: These add hearty texture and classic oatmeal flavor—don’t substitute with quick oats for best results!
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bar, it gives body and structure without weighing things down.
• Baking soda: A touch of baking soda ensures the oat layers bake up just light enough.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors together and balances the sweetness in every bite.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to luscious, creamy fudge filling—it makes the chocolate center absolutely irresistible.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: You’ll want good-quality chips for the richest, most decadent fudge middle.
• Extra unsalted butter: Adds silkiness to your fudge layer, making it melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Vanilla extract (again): A second addition for the chocolate filling, enhancing the flavors and adding warmth.

How to Make Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This simple first step means zero sticking, easy slicing, and perfect bars every time. Setting things up early makes the rest of the process a breeze!

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates an airiness that gives your oat crust its signature tender bite and ensures every bar tastes rich and dreamy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract next. Room-temperature eggs will incorporate more smoothly, creating a base that holds together well and bakes evenly, with just a hint of vanilla aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter-egg mixture, blending until just combined. This step gives that perfect chewy, oaty texture and ensures no floury pockets in your finished bars.

Step 5: Set Aside a Portion of Oat Mixture

Measure out and reserve 1 1/2 cups of your oat mixture for the topping. This is your secret weapon for a show-stopping finish—those golden crumbles make the bars as pretty as they are delicious.

Step 6: Press and Create the Base

Take the remaining oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it’s packed into all the corners for a solid, even foundation that’ll hold up the rich fudge layer.

Step 7: Prepare the Fudge Layer

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, extra butter, and salt. Stir until everything is melted and silky smooth, then remove from heat and blend in the vanilla extract. The gooey, chocolatey filling you end up with will be the heart of the Oatmeal Fudge Bars.

Step 8: Layer and Top

Pour the warm fudge layer gently over the oat base, using a spatula to spread it into every corner. Then, take your reserved oat mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the chocolate, creating those beautiful, rustic crumbs on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is just turning golden and the fudge center is set but still temptingly soft. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing—this patience pays off with impressively clean pieces!

How to Serve Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Oatmeal Fudge Bars with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, scatter some finely chopped toasted nuts right over the top for a satisfying crunch and a hint of rustic elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of icy cold milk—classic choices that let the dessert truly shine. For an indulgent dessert plate, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a handful of fresh raspberries, which cut through the sweetness and add a pop of color.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Oatmeal Fudge Bars into elegant diagonal slices for a dinner party, or stack them in rustic parchment-lined baskets for a picnic. For festive occasions, layer them with fresh berries in mason jars to create parfait-style desserts that look as fun as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your bars fresh and chewy, place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, stash them in the fridge for longer shelf life—trust me, they’re just as scrumptious chilled!

Freezing

Oatmeal Fudge Bars freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, slice them and separate with parchment paper in a freezer-safe box. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature for a ready-made, homemade treat any time.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let it sit on the counter for a few minutes after taking out of the fridge or freezer. The chocolate will soften, and the oat layer will taste just-baked again.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can use quick oats in a pinch, old-fashioned oats are truly best—they lend a chewier, more rustic texture that sets Oatmeal Fudge Bars apart from the rest.

What nuts work best as an add-in?

Chopped walnuts or pecans add delicious crunch and a nutty richness that complements the fudgy filling and buttery oat layers—just toss a handful into the oat topping for extra flair.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the topping turns golden and the center is just set. A slight jiggle in the middle is okay, since the fudge layer will firm as it cools—don’t overbake or you’ll lose that luscious texture!

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely. To double, use two 9×13-inch pans or a large sheet pan and adjust baking time if needed. If halving, a standard 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan works well, but keep an eye on them as they may bake a bit faster.

Are Oatmeal Fudge Bars suitable for potlucks and bake sales?

Definitely! These bars are sturdy enough for transporting, and their classic layered look is always a hit on dessert tables—they’re an easy crowd-pleaser that quickly disappears from any platter.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about the combination of oats and creamy chocolate that makes Oatmeal Fudge Bars irresistible, comforting, and totally crowd pleasing. I can’t wait for you to bake up a batch and share the love—don’t be surprised when everyone starts asking for your recipe!

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