If you love the warm, comforting taste of oatmeal cookies and the rich, gooey decadence of chocolate fudge, these Oatmeal Fudge Bars are a dream come true! With a buttery oatmeal base, a luscious chocolate fudge center, and a crumbly oat topping, this dessert is the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and creamy textures.
These bars are easy to make and are great for potlucks, holiday trays, bake sales, or a simple treat at home. Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as a quick snack, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Easy to make – No fancy equipment required!
Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, chocolatey, and buttery!
Great for any occasion – A perfect treat for parties or snacking!
Stores well – Can be made ahead and frozen for later.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Layers:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3 cups old-fashioned oats
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Fudge Filling:
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1: Prepare the Oatmeal Dough
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
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Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until the mixture forms a thick dough.
2: Make the Fudge Filling
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In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter.
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Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and chopped nuts (if using).
3: Assemble and Bake
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Press ⅔ of the oatmeal dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Pour the warm fudge mixture evenly over the oatmeal layer.
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Crumble the remaining oatmeal dough over the top.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
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Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing:
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Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing:
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Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
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To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Oatmeal Fudge Bars are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
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A drizzle of caramel or peanut butter for added richness.
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A cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Don’t overbake! – The bars will continue to set as they cool.
Use quality chocolate! – High-quality chocolate chips make a richer fudge layer.
Line your pan with parchment paper – This makes it easier to lift and cut the bars.
Chill before cutting – For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for 20-30 minutes before cutting.
Conclusion
These Oatmeal Fudge Bars are a fantastic way to satisfy both oatmeal cookie lovers and chocolate fanatics in one bite. With their chewy texture, fudgy filling, and crunchy topping, they make the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just as a treat for yourself, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats will make the bars softer.
2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the fudge layer a richer, deeper flavor.
3. What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans both add a delicious crunch, but you can also try almonds or leave the nuts out entirely.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
5. How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
Let them cool completely before cutting. You can also chill them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.