Ingredients
Oat Crust & Topping:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or oat flour)
1 tsp baking soda
3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
Chocolate Fudge Layer:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with non-stick spray.
2. Make Oat Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Add flour and baking soda, then stir in the rolled oats until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
3. Press Base: Press about 2/3 of the oat dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the bottom crust. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for the top.
4. Prepare Fudge Filling: In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals), combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and 2 tbsp butter. Stir continuously until melted and completely smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
5. Assemble Layers: Pour the warm chocolate fudge mixture evenly over the oat crust base. Crumble the reserved 1/3 oat dough evenly over the top of the fudge layer.
6. Bake & Cool: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the oat topping is golden brown and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
7. Freezer Tip: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving / 24 Bars)
Calories: ~290 kcal
Protein: 4g
Health Benefits
Rich in Whole Grain Fiber: Rolled oats provide soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that supports healthy digestion and sustained energy.
Flavored with Heart-Healthy Cocoa: Dark/semi-sweet chocolate chips contain natural flavonoids and antioxidants.
Ideal Freezer Treat: Perfect for batch baking and meal-prepping sweet treats that hold up beautifully in the freezer.