Award Winning Fudge Bars
Award-winning fudge bars combine rich chocolate, nutty peanuts, and hearty oats for a decadent treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter softened ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons peanut butter divided ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat brown sugar, softened butter, and 1/4 cup peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add the combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Beat until well mixed.
- Stir in oats and mix well.
- Set aside 1 cup of the oat mixture.
- Spread the remaining oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the remaining peanut butter with sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of oat mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Ensure to use quick oats for a chewier texture, but old-fashioned oats can also work well. For a richer taste, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Serving Suggestions
These fudge bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside Peanut Pops for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, cut the fudge bars into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Award Winning Fudge Bars contains roughly 437 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Make sure to use a creamy variety for the best texture.
How do I ensure the bars don't stick to the pan?
Greasing the baking dish is crucial, but you can also line it with parchment paper for added insurance against sticking. This also makes it easier to lift the fudge bars out of the pan once they are cooled. Just remember to leave some overhang for easy removal.
Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge bars?
Yes, you can customize your fudge bars by adding mix-ins like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even different types of chocolate chips. Just be mindful of the overall balance of ingredients; too many add-ins might affect the texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).