DEEP DISH OATMEAL FUDGE BARS

If you love oatmeal cookies and you love fudge, then these bars are for you. But let me warn you, these bars are sinful and HIGHLY addictive. Who can resist a crunchy oatmeal cookie base layered with a thick buttery fudge filling and then topped with some more cookie—not me! Probably not the best idea that I made them without company to share them with, and after seeing how much headway I was making in the pan all by myself, I decided it would be best to freeze half for Shavuot. Did I mention these go great with coffee? Or by themselves? Or as dinner 🙂? Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Deep Dish Oatmeal Fudge Bars are the perfect combination of chewy and chocolatey goodness. The layers of oatmeal cookie and rich fudge make for a decadent treat that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 13×9 inch baking pan
• Saucepan
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups oatmeal
• 1 can Eagle’s Brand sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 13×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of butter, eggs, and brown sugar until creamy. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla and milk, and mix well.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, salt, and oatmeal into the wet mixture. The dough will be thick, so a stand mixer is recommended.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the sweetened condensed milk, 1/3 cup of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and chocolate chips until smooth.
5. Spread 3/4 of the cookie mixture on the bottom of the prepared pan.
6. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cookie base.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie mixture on top. It won’t cover the chocolate completely, leaving a marbled effect.
8. Bake for 25 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they set properly.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Do not overbake; the bars should be slightly gooey in the center.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough.
• Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer fudge layer.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These bars are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They are rich in flavor and calories, perfect for a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and devouring these Deep Dish Oatmeal Fudge Bars as much as I do. They’re a delightful indulgence that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. If you give this recipe a try, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!