Irresistible Oatmeal Fudge Bars: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Oatmeal fudge bars are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich, decadent flavor of fudge. They are a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a crowd-pleasing treat to bring to a party. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Fudge Bars
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of chewy oatmeal, rich fudge, and a hint of vanilla creates an irresistible flavor profile.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holidays, or just a simple weeknight dessert.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or other toppings.
* **Portable:** They are easy to pack and transport, making them ideal for picnics and road trips.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering oatmeal fudge bars:
**For the Oatmeal Base:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
**For the Fudge Layer:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get started on making these delicious oatmeal fudge bars. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:
**Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Base**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step, or do it by hand with a wooden spoon.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Press half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the base. Make sure to spread it evenly and press it firmly to create a solid foundation for the fudge layer.
8. Bake the base for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Do not overbake.
**Step 2: Prepare the Fudge Layer**
1. While the oatmeal base is baking, prepare the fudge layer. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder until smooth. Make sure to break up any lumps to create a creamy fudge mixture.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the fudge is smooth and glossy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
**Step 3: Assemble the Oatmeal Fudge Bars**
1. Once the oatmeal base is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the fudge layer over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the fudge layer. Gently press it down to help it adhere to the fudge.
3. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fudge is set and the oatmeal topping is lightly golden brown.
4. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This is important to allow the fudge to set properly and prevent the bars from crumbling.
**Step 4: Cut and Serve**
1. Once the oatmeal fudge bars are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve and enjoy! These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Softened Butter:** Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a light and fluffy base.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Rolled Oats:** Rolled oats provide the best texture for these bars. Avoid using instant oats, as they will not hold their shape as well.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This will prevent the fudge from sticking to the knife and ensure clean cuts.
* **Line the Pan with Parchment Paper:** For easy removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will allow you to lift the bars out of the pan easily after they have cooled.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt to the Fudge:** Enhances the chocolate flavor.
## Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the oatmeal base for added crunch and flavor.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the oatmeal base or sprinkle them on top of the fudge layer before baking.
* **Add Peanut Butter:** Swirl peanut butter into the fudge layer for a delicious peanut butter fudge combination.
* **Add Sprinkles:** Decorate the bars with sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or peppermint extract, to add a unique flavor to the bars.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
## Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal fudge bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
* **Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The cold ice cream complements the warm, fudgy bars perfectly.
* **Drizzle with chocolate sauce:** Add an extra layer of chocolate decadence by drizzling the bars with chocolate sauce.
* **Serve with a cup of coffee or tea:** These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a hot beverage.
* **Pack them in a lunchbox:** They make a great sweet treat for kids and adults alike.
* **Gift them to friends and family:** These bars are a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
## Storage Instructions
To keep your oatmeal fudge bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 250-300 per bar
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 9-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g
## Recipe Card
**Oatmeal Fudge Bars**
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-35 minutes
**Total Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Yield:** 16-24 bars
**Ingredients:**
**For the Oatmeal Base:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
**For the Fudge Layer:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Press half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
9. While the base is baking, prepare the fudge layer. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
10. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
11. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and glossy.
12. Stir in the vanilla extract.
13. Pour the fudge layer over the baked oatmeal base, spreading evenly.
14. Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the fudge layer. Gently press.
15. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fudge is set.
16. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
## Conclusion
Oatmeal fudge bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their chewy oatmeal base, rich fudge layer, and customizable options, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a batch of these irresistible treats. Happy baking!