Name: Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 1/3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or 50-70% dark chocolate); 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (one 14-oz can – do not use evaporated milk); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Introduction

Oatmeal Fudge Bars combine the comforting chewiness of oatmeal cookies with a rich, smooth chocolate fudge layer. These bars are perfect for a sweet treat that offers both texture and indulgence in every bite.

A stack of three square dessert bars is centered on a white plate, each bar having two distinct layers: the bottom layer is a thick, light golden oat crust with a rough, crumbly texture, and the top layer is a dense, glossy dark chocolate filling with a smooth surface. The bars form a neat, even tower with the chocolate layer slightly thicker than the oat base. In the background, there is a clear glass of milk and a blurred baking tray with more dessert bars, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 and 1/3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 and 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, or 50-70% dark chocolate
1 cup sweetened condensed milk (one 14-oz can, do not use evaporated milk)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges, or use aluminum foil lightly greased.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
Step 3: Fold in the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Then gently fold in the oats until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Spoon about three quarters of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it evenly to form the bottom layer. Set the remaining oatmeal mixture aside.
Step 5: Prepare a double boiler by adding about 1/2 inch of water to a medium saucepan and heating over low-medium heat. Place a large glass bowl on top, ensuring it does not touch the water.
Step 6: Add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to the glass bowl. Stir gently as the ingredients melt together into a smooth fudge.
Step 7: Remove the bowl from heat once the fudge is smooth and pour it over the oatmeal layer in the pan.
Step 8: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly over the chocolate fudge layer, allowing some fudge to show through.
Step 9: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The oatmeal pieces on top should look set but the bars will remain chewy. For crispier bars, bake slightly longer.
Step 10: Let the bars cool completely, about 3 hours. Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

For a thinner, less rich fudge layer, use 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 1/2 tablespoons butter instead.
Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, but quick oats can be used if needed.
To add a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the fudge layer before adding the remaining oatmeal topping.

Storage

Store the oatmeal fudge bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated to extend freshness for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the fudge.

How to Serve

Nine square pieces of a dessert are placed on a metal cooling rack set on a white marbled surface. Each piece shows two visible layers: a dark chocolate brown layer that looks smooth and shiny, and a rough, uneven light beige topping that covers parts of the top, creating a spotted pattern on each square. The pieces appear moist and soft, with some edges showing slight cracks. In the upper right corner, there is a white cup of milk sitting on a pale blue cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, evaporated milk will not provide the right sweetness or consistency. Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk for the proper fudge texture.

How do I get chewy bars instead of crispy?

Bake the bars for the recommended 25 to 30 minutes and avoid overbaking. Removing the bars as soon as the oatmeal pieces look set will keep them moist and chewy.