If you’re as much of a dessert lover as I am, you’re going to adore these classic fudge nut bars. I made these last week, and oh boy, they didn’t even last a full day in my house!
Between the chewy oatmeal cookie base, the rich chocolate fudge layer, and the crunchy pecans on top, every bite is a little piece of heaven. The recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Let me walk you through how you can recreate this crowd-pleaser at home. If you’re browsing for dessert ideas, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your list alongside favorites recipes.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own classic fudge nut bars:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): This gives the cookie base its structure. For best results, sift the flour before use to avoid lumps.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): A key ingredient for the light texture in the base.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Butter is the star of the cookie base! Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 cups, packed): Adds richness and moisture to the cookie base, giving it a chewy texture.
- Eggs (2 large): They help bind everything together and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A small touch of vanilla adds depth and rounds out the flavors.
- Quick Oats (3 cups): These are perfect for their finer texture compared to old-fashioned oats.
For the chocolate pecan fudge layer:
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz): Melt to create the decadent fudge layer. You can also experiment with dark chocolate chips for a less sweet option.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz): Makes the center gooey and fudgy.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the fudge its smooth finish.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a touch of warmth to the chocolate layer.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor, but feel free to swap with walnuts or skip entirely for nut-free bars.
Note: This recipe makes approximately 24 servings if you cut the bars into squares. Adjust measurements for smaller or larger batches.
Variations
Looking to tweak the recipe? Here are some ideas to make these fudge nut bars perfect for your dietary needs or preferences:
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix in place of regular flour.
- Vegan: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
- Sugar-Free: Swap regular chocolate chips with sugar-free versions and use a sugar substitute like monk fruit for the base.
Feel adventurous? Add shredded coconut, a layer of caramel, or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for something extra! Or explore new dessert ideas like a summery lemon blueberry yogurt loaf for more variety in your baking repertoire.
Cooking Time
To keep things easy, here’s the cooking timeline:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s a list of tools to make the process smooth:
- Mixing Bowls: Use separate ones for wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming butter and mixing the base.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for folding in oats and spreading layers.
- 13×9-Inch Pan: The ideal size for evenly thick bars.
- Heavy-Bottom Saucepan: Crucial for melting the fudge layer without burning it.
- Baking Spray: To prevent sticking when removing the bars from the pan.
How to Make Classic Fudge Nut Bars?
Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Cookie Base
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a medium bowl. Next, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Once combined, gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the oats using a spatula.
Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture into a greased 13×9-inch pan. The remaining dough will be used for the topping.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Fudge Layer
Melt the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter together in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Once smooth and glossy, mix in the vanilla and chopped pecans. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread the chocolate fudge layer evenly over the oatmeal cookie base. Take the reserved oatmeal dough and crumble it into small chunks, scattering them across the fudge layer. The scattered chunks will form the cookie topping.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie bits on top are golden brown. Cool the pan completely before cutting the bars into squares.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
I’ve made these bars multiple times now, and here’s what I recommend to make them even better:
- Spray your spatula with non-stick spray to help spread the sticky oatmeal base more easily.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- For a more indulgent treat, mix dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips in the fudge layer.
- Want precise squares? Chill the bars in the fridge before cutting.
How to Serve Classic Fudge Nut Bars?
Present these bars in style! Arrange them on a dessert platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a polished touch. You could also drizzle melted chocolate across the top before serving for added flair. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh cup of coffee.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 401
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 19g
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are great for prepping ahead of time!
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual squares by first wrapping them in plastic wrap, then storing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: To warm them up, microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons why these fudge nut bars will steal your heart.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a no-stress dessert.
- Perfect Texture Combination: Chewy, gooey, and crunchy all in one bite!
- Customizable: Ideal for dietary tweaks or personal flavor preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Makes enough to share (if you want to!).
- Crowd-Pleaser: They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly at gatherings.
With their perfect balance of rich chocolate fudge and chewy oatmeal cookie, these classic fudge nut bars are a winning dessert for any occasion. And if you’re planning a dessert menu, be sure to include this one alongside recipes like apple slab pie recipe to keep your guests coming back for more.
Classic Fudge Nut Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by whisking together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a medium bowl. Next, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Once combined, gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the oats using a spatula.
- Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture into a greased 13×9-inch pan. The remaining dough will be used for the topping.
- Melt the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter together in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Once smooth and glossy, mix in the vanilla and chopped pecans. Remove from heat.
- Spread the chocolate fudge layer evenly over the oatmeal cookie base. Take the reserved oatmeal dough and crumble it into small chunks, scattering them across the fudge layer. The scattered chunks will form the cookie topping.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie bits on top are golden brown. Cool the pan completely before cutting the bars into squares.
Notes
- Spray your spatula with non-stick spray to help spread the sticky oatmeal base more easily.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- For a more indulgent treat, mix dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips in the fudge layer.
- Want precise squares? Chill the bars in the fridge before cutting.
