Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe

Introduction

Oatmeal Fudge Bars are a deliciously indulgent dessert combining chewy oats with a rich, creamy chocolate fudge center. These bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for fudge)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for fudge)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch nonstick brownie pan. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until just combined, then fold in the oats.
4. Step 4: Spread two-thirds of the oatmeal cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan to form the bottom layer.
5. Step 5: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until the mixture is melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the warm fudge mixture over the oatmeal layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the fudge layer.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use old fashioned or quick oats for the best texture; avoid instant oatmeal as it is too fine and affects the baking.
• Lining the baking dish with parchment or foil makes it easier to remove the bars cleanly once cooled.
• Take care not to overmix the cookie dough to keep the bars tender.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the fudge layer before adding the remaining cookie dough.

Storage

Store the oatmeal fudge bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but avoid instant oats as they will make the texture too fine and affect the final result.

Do I have to line the baking pan?

While not strictly necessary, lining the pan with parchment paper or foil makes it much easier to lift out the bars cleanly after baking and helps with cutting neat squares.

Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

Deliciously rich and chewy Oatmeal Fudge Bars combining the hearty texture of oatmeal cookie dough with a luscious homemade fudge center, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Oatmeal Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

Fudge Center

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch nonstick brownie pan. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper.
2. Make Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid over mixing.
4. Stir in Oats: Fold in the old fashioned oats evenly throughout the dough.
5. Layer Cookie Dough: Spread two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared pan as the bottom layer.
6. Prepare Fudge Center: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.
7. Assemble Fudge Layer: Pour and evenly spread the warm fudge mixture over the cookie dough layer in the pan.
8. Add Remaining Cookie Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the fudge layer, distributing it as evenly as possible.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and set.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares.

Notes

• You can use quick or old fashioned oats, but avoid instant oatmeal as it is too fine for baking.
• Line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy removal and cutting.
• Be careful not to over mix the cookie dough to maintain a tender texture.

Keywords: Oatmeal Fudge Bars, oatmeal cookie bars, fudge dessert, chocolate oatmeal bars, baked dessert bars