Prepare to have your socks knocked off by these incredible Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars! Imagine a luscious, gooey layer of rich chocolate fudge nestled perfectly between two golden, baked layers of wholesome oatmeal. These bars are an absolute dream come true for any dessert lover, offering a perfect balance of comforting oats and intensely decadent chocolate.

What makes these bars even more remarkable is their incredible versatility. While they are a fantastic gluten-free delight, tailored for friends and family with dietary sensitivities, they are just as easy to make with regular ingredients. The choice is entirely yours – simply adapt the oats and flour, and you’re all set to create a batch that everyone can enjoy!

Why These Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars Are a Must-Try

In a world where delicious gluten-free options are becoming more abundant, these Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars stand out. I am fortunate to have many friends and family members who follow a gluten-free diet, and seeing their joy when I present them with a homemade, delicious treat is truly rewarding. Thanks to advancements in gluten-free baking, especially with high-quality ingredients like gluten-free flours and certified gluten-free oats, creating truly good desserts is easier than ever. We’ve certainly come a long way!

The Perfect Marriage of Textures and Flavors

Each bite of these bars delivers an exquisite experience. The oatmeal layers are soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, with a comforting flavor that perfectly complements the star of the show: the rich chocolate fudge. This isn’t just any fudge; it’s thick, intensely chocolatey, and delightfully gooey, creating a luxurious contrast against the wholesome oatmeal. This combination makes for a dessert that feels both indulgent and satisfying, appealing to a wide range of palates.

Rich Chocolate Fudge Sandwiched Between Oatmeal Goodness!

There’s simply nothing quite like the sheer joy of biting into a treat where a substantial layer of smooth, luscious chocolate fudge is embraced by two soft, chewy oatmeal cookie-like layers. These bars are not just a dessert; they are an experience. They are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, a comforting evening treat, or to share during special moments. And trust me, they are absolutely divine when paired with a tall, cold glass of milk. Pure bliss!

Ideal for Sharing and Celebrations

This recipe yields a generous pan of these delightful bars, making them an excellent choice for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a family get-together, contributing to a bake sale, or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a social event, these Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars are guaranteed to be a hit. They travel well, are easy to portion, and their universal appeal means there will be something for everyone to enjoy, especially with the adaptable gluten-free option. Prepare for rave reviews and requests for the recipe!

Tips for Baking Perfect Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for these bars is straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your baking experience:

• **Ingredients Matter:** Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the oatmeal mixture; this allows for a smooth, creamy base when combined with brown sugar. Use fresh eggs and good quality vanilla or almond extract for the best flavor.
• **Gluten-Free Oats and Flour:** If you’re going the gluten-free route, specifically look for certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination. For gluten-free flour, a 1-to-1 baking flour blend (which often includes xanthan gum) works wonderfully. If your chosen GF flour doesn’t have xanthan gum, add the specified amount to ensure proper texture and binding. For non-GF versions, simply use regular rolled oats and all-purpose flour.
• **Pressing the Oatmeal Base:** When pressing the first layer of oatmeal mixture into the pan, a light dusting of flour on your hands or a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray can prevent sticking, making the process much smoother. Don’t press too hard; a firm, even layer is what you’re aiming for.
• **Fudge Perfection:** The chocolate fudge layer comes together quickly on the stovetop. Keep the heat low to medium and stir constantly to prevent scorching. Once melted and smooth, remove it from the heat before stirring in the vanilla to preserve its delicate flavor.
• **Layering the Top:** For the top oatmeal layer, instead of trying to spread a large, potentially sticky mass, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to flatten small portions. This technique ensures an even distribution and avoids disturbing the fudge layer underneath.
• **Patience is Key for Cooling:** Resist the urge to cut into these bars while they are still warm! Cooling them completely, ideally for at least 30 minutes, allows the fudge to set properly, resulting in clean, beautiful slices. If you cut them too soon, the fudge will be too soft and messy.

Variations and Customizations for Your Bars

While the classic Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bar is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste:

• **Nutella Swirl:** As suggested in the recipe notes, for an extra layer of hazelnut-chocolatey goodness, add 1 cup of Nutella to your fudge mixture, reducing the chocolate chips slightly. This creates a wonderfully rich and complex flavor profile.
• **Nutty Crunch:** Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into your oatmeal layers for an added textural crunch and nutty flavor.
• **Spice It Up:** A pinch of nutmeg or a bit more cinnamon in the oatmeal mixture can add a warm, inviting depth of flavor.
• **Different Chocolates:** Experiment with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for the fudge layer to adjust the sweetness and intensity to your preference.
• **Add Zest:** A teaspoon of orange zest in the fudge layer can brighten the flavors beautifully.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Treats to Share!

If you’re loving these adaptable and delicious gluten-free options, you’ll want to explore more treats from my kitchen. Here are some other fantastic recipes that cater to gluten-free diets (with options to adapt for non-gluten-free as well):

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Lasagna Dessert (Gluten Free option!)
• Tropical Bliss Pineapple Coconut Banana Bread {Gluten Free}
• 10 Glorious Gluten-Free Muffin Recipes for Summer!
• Coconut Flour Chocolate Brownies

These Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars are sure to become a cherished family favorite in no time. They are simple to make, incredibly delicious, and offer the flexibility to suit various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. Ready to bake? Here’s the full recipe!

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars, Gluten Free Option

By Kim Lange

You’ll love these decadent bars with a gooey, rich layer of chocolate fudge nestled in between layers of golden, baked oatmeal layers. They’ll knock your socks off for sure!

Prep Time

25 minutes
mins

Cook Time

25 minutes
mins

Cooling Time

30 minutes
mins

Course
Dessert, Snack

Servings

24
Bars

Calories

Ingredients

Oatmeal Mixture

• 3 cups gluten free rolled oats or regular rolled oats, I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats, Old Fashioned
• 2½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour or all purpose flour (exclude xanthan gum if not doing gluten free flour) I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1¼ tsp . xanthan gum omit if flour already has xanthan added in, or using all purpose flour
• 1 tsp . baking soda
• ½ tsp . salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup butter room temp
• 2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup almond milk, or milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon . vanilla or almond extract

Chocolate Fudge Layer

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk I use Eagle Brand
• ⅓ cup butter
• 2 tsp . vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Oatmeal Mixture

• In a medium-sized bowl, stir together flour, (xanthan gum if needed), baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to combine.
• In another bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, continuing to beat for 2 more minutes after both are incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Pour in milk and combine gently until just incorporated.
• With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the rolled oats. Be careful not to overmix.

Chocolate Fudge Layer

• In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
• Cook, stirring constantly, over low-medium heat until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.

Assembling the Bars

• Take about two-thirds (2/3) of the prepared oatmeal mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. For easier pressing, you can lightly flour your hands or use a piece of parchment paper.
• Carefully pour and spread the warm chocolate fudge filling evenly over the pressed oatmeal base.
• With the remaining one-third (1/3) of the oatmeal mixture, take small portions and lightly flatten them between your palms. Gently place these flattened pieces over the chocolate fudge layer, covering as much of the surface as possible.
• A helpful trick is to use a small cookie scoop to portion out the remaining oat mixture, placing scoops all over the fudge. Then, gently use the back of a spoon, a knife, or a fork to lightly spread and flatten these scoops into a rustic top layer over the fudge.

Baking and Serving

• Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top oatmeal layer is lightly golden brown and the edges are set.
• Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the fudge to set properly. Do not attempt to cut while still hot or warm.
• Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Store any remaining bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bars also freeze exceptionally well for longer storage – simply thaw and enjoy!

Notes

If you prefer not to make these gluten-free, simply substitute 2½ cups of regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour and 3 cups of regular rolled oats for the gluten-free oats. In this case, you can omit the xanthan gum.

For a delicious Nutella variation, add 1 cup of Nutella to the chocolate fudge layer. If doing so, reduce the semi-sweet chocolate chips to 1½ cups to maintain the right consistency and sweetness.

Keyword
bars, chocolate, cookie, fudge, gluten free, oatmeal, dessert, snack, baking

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I’m delighted to share this fantastic recipe with you, originally inspired by the wonderful creations found at My Gluten-Free Kitchen. Happy baking!