Krista's Chewy Oatmeal Fudge Bars

It's gloriously cool here this weekend, and last week I heard the roar of the school bus on our road. Some local kids are already back in school! Here at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, we're bringing you back-to-school recipes from September 8th through September 15th! Look for some fun recipes that your kids will love.

Remember a few weeks ago when Wendy tried a recipe that disappointed her? That happened to me twice this week. Thank goodness we all have different taste. The very recipes that didn't appeal to me might be someone else's favorites.


After wrestling with dreadful recipes, I had this vision of a chewy oatmeal bar with fudge on top. Oh no! Could I pull it off? I believe I did. Totally sinful. Chewy and fudgy and decadent. This might just be my new favorite.

The recipe is amazingly simple. It looks long, but it's so easy that your kids could bake it for you. Seriously. You don't even need a mixer for this one. But everyone will want to lick the fudge pot. I guarantee it.

Krista's Chewy Oatmeal Fudge Bars

No mixer necessary.
13 inch x 9 inch baking pan


Chewy Oatmeal Base

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 egg
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour
2 1/4 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon


Preheat the oven to 350. Line a 13 x 9 baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil (optional, but a good idea).

Melt the butter. (I used the microwave in short bursts.)

While the butter cools, mix the flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir to mix well. Set aside.

Whisk the egg lightly. Add the corn syrup and whisk again. Slowly add the cooled butter, whisking to blend.

Add the vanilla and mix. Pour over the oatmeal mixture and blend with a large spoon until it's a sticky mess, but well blended.

You may wish to butter your fingers for the next step. Pour into the prepared pan. Spread and pat even with your fingers. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until the sides begin to pull away a little bit.

While it bakes, prepare the fudge topping.

Fudge Topping

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine condensed milk, sugar, and butter in a pot over low heat. Stirring, cook until butter and sugar have melted and the mixture is hot. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth. Pour over the warm oatmeal base when it comes out of the oven and spread with the back of a large sppon.

Allow to cool in the pan. When the fudge is set, remove from pan by lifting the aluminum foil. Cut into bars.