Oatmeal-Fudge Bars
📜 Collection: UK5 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A decadent layered bar cookie featuring a chewy oatmeal-walnut crust and topping, with a rich, gooey fudge filling made from chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 25 mins | None | 24 bars |
🔪 Key Equipment
- 9x9 inch pan
- medium bowl
- small saucepan
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Layer
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Shortening or Butter | soft |
| 1 cup | Brown Sugar | packed |
| 1 | Egg | large |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Vanilla | None |
| 3/4 cup | Flour | sifted |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Soda | baking |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 2 cups | Oats | quick-cook |
| 1/2 cup | Walnuts | chopped |
For the Fudge Layer
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 ounces | Chocolate Pieces | semi-sweet |
| 1 tablespoon | Butter or Margarine | None |
| 1/3 cup | Milk | sweetened condensed |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 1/2 cup | Walnuts | chopped |
| 1 teaspoon | Vanilla | None |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9 inch pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup shortening or butter and 1 cup brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Whisk together 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in 2 cups oats and 1/2 cup walnuts. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture, then press the remainder into the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Fudge Filling
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 6 ounces chocolate pieces, 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, 1/3 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Stir frequently until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup walnuts and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Spread the fudge mixture over the oatmeal crust. Crumble the reserved 1 cup oat mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the surface is lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Original Recipe Scan
