M&M'S Fudge-Filled Bars
Delicious fudge-filled bars with a crunchy oat topping, rich chocolate and candy coating, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a jelly roll pan measuring 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch.
- Mix oats, flour, nuts, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumbly mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Heat shortening in a 1-quart saucepan over low heat until melted.
- Stir in 1 cup of candies; press candies with the back of a spoon until broken into pieces.
- Cook and stir until chocolate is melted; pieces of candy coating will remain.
- Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the baked crust.
- Mix the reserved crumbly mixture with remaining candies.
- Sprinkle over the chocolate layer and press lightly.
- Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Cool completely and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate candies instead of regular ones. You can substitute coconut oil for shortening if desired. Make sure to press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to ensure a sturdy base. If you're looking for a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These fudge-filled bars are perfect for parties or as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a slice of South St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm and slightly gooey, enhancing the fudgy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of M&M'S Fudge-Filled Bars contains roughly 4 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 milk instead of condensed milk?
While condensed milk provides a unique sweetness and creaminess, you can substitute it with a mixture of heavy cream and sugar, or a vegan alternative like coconut cream mixed with maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may alter the final texture and flavor slightly.
What can I do if my fudge filling is too thick?
If your fudge filling is too thick, try adding a little more condensed milk or a splash of milk to achieve a smoother consistency. Heat it gently over low heat while stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. This ensures an even spread over the crust.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the oats and baking soda, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. This way, you can enjoy a delicious treat without gluten.
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).