Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe
If there’s one treat I find myself making for every potluck, family gathering, or “just because I want something ridiculously tasty on a Tuesday,” it’s Oatmeal Fudge Bars. They combine chewy, golden oat layers with a silky, chocolatey fudge center that’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether you need a bake sale hero or a dessert that just feels like home, these bars never fail to bring smiles (and requests for seconds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Oatmeal Fudge Bars may look and taste bakery-fancy, but you’ll be amazed at how approachable and forgiving the ingredient list is. Each component brings something vital to the table: warmth, texture, or decadent flavor—it’s all about the balance!
- Butter (1 cup, unsalted, softened): The backbone for both taste and texture; makes the oat layers irresistibly tender and rich.
- Packed Brown Sugar (2 cups): Adds sweet molasses notes and keeps the bars moist and chewy.
- Large Eggs (2): The secret glue that holds the oats and flour together for that perfect bar consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons in the base + 1 teaspoon for fudge): Infuses warmth and depth into both the oat and fudge components.
- Old-Fashioned Oats (2 1/2 cups): Key for that hearty, signature chew—quick oats just can’t compete here.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure while letting the oats shine through.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures just enough lift without making the bars cakey.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon + pinch for fudge): Enhances all of the flavors and balances out the sweetness beautifully.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): The not-so-secret hero behind the ultra-creamy fudge layer.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melt down to a luscious, chocolatey middle—pick your favorite brand for big flavor impact.
- Butter for Fudge (2 tablespoons): Makes the fudge glossy and smooth, with a melt-on-your-tongue finish.
- Espresso Powder (Optional, 1 tablespoon): For extra-rich, adult-level chocolate depth—totally optional, but truly a game changer.
How to Make Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting later. This little move makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your oatmeal fudge bars pop out without sticking.
Step 2: Create the Oatmeal Base
In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add your vanilla extract. Whisk the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl, then stir those dry ingredients into your wet mixture. You’ll end up with a thick, tempting dough that smells like pure nostalgia.
Step 3: Press the Bottom Layer
Divide your oat dough, reserving about a third for the topping. Firmly press the remaining two-thirds into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure to cover every corner in an even, compact layer. This will become the solid foundation for all the chocolate goodness to come.
Step 4: Make the Fudge Layer
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semisweet chocolate chips, and remaining butter. Stir faithfully until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. Remove from the heat, then stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt (and espresso powder if you’re feeling bold!). This fudge is so creamy, you’ll be tempted to eat it by the spoonful!
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Gently pour your fudge layer over the pressed oat base, spreading it evenly with a spatula so every bite will have delightful, velvety chocolate. Scatter the reserved oat mixture over the top, letting those sweet golden crumbles create a rustic, lovely finish.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the fudge layer just begins to set. Cool completely in the pan—trust me, patience is key for clean slices and the best possible texture!
How to Serve Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of mini chocolate chips makes these bars look extra special. When serving for guests, a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel over each piece adds that perfect finishing touch. Simple fresh berries on the side are equally lovely, adding color and a pop of tart freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal fudge bars with a steaming cup of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for some serious indulgence. These bars also complement a fruit salad beautifully, providing a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into tiny squares and stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a party-ready look, or wrap individual pieces in parchment with a pretty ribbon for sweet “grab and go” treats. For a showstopping finale, try layering broken bars in parfait glasses with whipped cream and caramel for an irresistible oatmeal fudge bar trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bars left (lucky you!), tuck them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy at room temperature for three days, or in the fridge for up to a week—honestly, they might taste even better after a day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
For longer storage, oatmeal fudge bars freeze beautifully. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll hold up for up to three months—so you’re never far from a homemade treat!
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a little warm and gooey, just microwave an individual bar for 10–15 seconds. Fresh from the oven magic, on demand! You can also let them thaw at room temperature if frozen; no need to rush perfection.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
I always recommend old-fashioned oats for their heartier texture, but if quick oats are all you have, the bars will still be delicious—just a little less chewy.
Is it possible to make oatmeal fudge bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free for a treat everyone can enjoy without worry.
Can I make these with dark chocolate chips?
Of course! Using dark chocolate chips will give your fudge layer a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor. It’s a great twist if you’re a serious chocolate lover.
What’s the best way to cut oatmeal fudge bars cleanly?
Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, bakery-worthy squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the bars in the fridge to set them quickly before slicing.
How can I make the bars even more decadent?
Try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking, or swirl a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter into the fudge layer before assembling—your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Oatmeal Fudge Bars have a permanent place in my recipe box: they’re as comforting as they are crowd-pleasing, simple to make yet always impressive. Whether you share them or hide a batch just for yourself, I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite. Give them a try and make your sweet tooth (and your friends) very, very happy!
Print
Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Oatmeal Fudge Bars, a delightful treat for any occasion. A chewy oatmeal base topped with a luscious fudge layer, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fudge Layer:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the oatmeal base: Cream together butter and brown sugar, then mix in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well.
- Layer the bars: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the pan. Make the fudge layer by melting condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Spread fudge over the oat base, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the fudge layer.
- Store bars at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
