Name: Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¼ cup brown sugar (packed); ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cup rolled oats; 1 cup all purpose flour (120g); ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips; ½ cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate); ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (about 1/2 a 300ml can); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (or butter)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances chewy oats with rich, silky chocolate fudge, look no further than my beloved Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe. This treat is a real showstopper, combining the hearty texture of oatmeal cookie dough with a luscious, velvety fudge center all baked to golden perfection. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging whenever you want something truly special yet simple to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white saucepan filled with white cream in the bottom layer, topped with many flat, round dark brown chocolate pieces falling from a white bowl held above the pan, some chocolate pieces in mid-fall, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the soft butter that gives richness to the dough, to the combination of chocolate chips that form a smooth, indulgent fudge layer.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds creaminess and helps bind the dough for that perfect chewy texture.
Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Gives a subtle caramel depth and moistness to the oatmeal cookie base.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Brings sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the bars.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Acts as a natural binder and gives structure to the dough.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity to both dough and fudge.
Rolled oats (1 ¾ cups): The star of the show for a chewy, hearty texture.
All-purpose flour (1 cup/120g): Provides structure and lightness to the cookie base.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): A leavening agent that ensures just enough lift.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Keeps the bars tender and soft, preventing toughness.
Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Brings balanced sweetness to the fudge layer.
Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (½ cup): Adds depth and richness to the fudge.
Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup): Key for that luscious, creamy fudge texture.
Heavy whipping cream or butter (2 tablespoons): Smooths out the fudge for a silky finish.

How to Make Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily. This step ensures none of the sinful bars get stuck to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Base

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Beat until creamy and smooth. This mixture is the foundation of your dough, and beating well is crucial for a lovely texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until just combined and creamy. These ingredients imbue the dough with moisture and that classic warm vanilla flavor we all adore.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Fold in the rolled oats thoroughly for that hearty bite, then sift the flour, baking soda, and cornstarch into the bowl. Mix gently but completely until everything comes together and you have a thick, soft cookie dough. It’s going to be slightly sticky and wonderfully dense.

Step 5: Form the Base Layer

Set aside about half a cup of the dough to use as topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your parchment-lined pan, creating a sturdy cookie crust. This layer will support the luscious fudge filling beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare the Fudge Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the semisweet and dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream (or butter), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate melts and everything becomes smooth and glossy. This molten fudge is the decadent heart of this recipe.

Step 7: Assemble the Bars

Immediately pour the warm fudge evenly over the oatmeal cookie crust, then scatter and gently flatten the reserved dough pieces on top. This layered effect is not just visually appealing but adds a delightful bite variation.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars at 350°F (180°C) for about 24 to 26 minutes until the fudge surface looks crinkly and the cookie dough bits turn slightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, or the bars might become hard instead of perfectly chewy and fudgy.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then for the cleanest slices, chill them in the fridge for about an hour. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat, irresistible squares.

How to Serve Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe

The image shows a close-up of three dessert squares, each with three layers. The bottom layer is a light brown crumbly oat base, rough and grainy in texture. The middle layer is thick and smooth, made of dark chocolate, rich and glossy, covering the oat base evenly. The top layer is a soft, golden cookie crust with a slightly uneven and crumbly surface. The dessert pieces are placed on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the front piece, showing clear details of the layers and textures, while the other two pieces are softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars are so rich and flavorful that a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is all you really need to elevate them further. You could also add a few toasted nuts on top for extra crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

For a true indulgence, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries on the side can add a refreshing, tangy note that beautifully balances the fudgy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by arranging these bars on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of additional chocolate chips, nuts, and fresh fruit. You could also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve as part of a dessert platter or at a cozy afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover oatmeal fudge bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist, chewy, and just as delicious, making them perfect for a quick snack anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep them for longer, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then foil and place in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, warm the bars slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This will revive the fudge’s silkiness and soften the cookie base beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats can work in a pinch, rolled oats give this recipe its signature chewy texture. Quick oats tend to absorb liquid differently and may make the bars a bit softer, so for best results, stick to rolled oats if you can.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures similarly. Just make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet and dark chocolate?

Definitely! Milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and creamier. Just be mindful that the bars might be sweeter overall, so you might adjust sugar slightly if desired.

Why do I need to chill the bars before slicing?

Chilling firms up the fudge and cookie layers, making them much easier to cut cleanly. This step prevents the fudge from sticking to the knife and helps each square hold its shape perfectly.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double this Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe. Just use a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch) and adjust baking time slightly—checking often after 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this fabulous Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe in your repertoire, I truly hope you give it a go soon. It’s one of those recipes that feels cozy, indulgent, and completely approachable all at once. Whether for a casual snack, a potluck treat, or a personal sweet fix, these bars never fail to impress and satisfy. Happy baking and enjoy every fudgy, chewy, delicious bite!