Chewy Fudgey Oatmeal Bars
I recently started a new job at work. Still with the same company, just doing different work. It has been keeping me BUSY (some of you might notice that I haven’t been around as much recently). While I do miss my time chatting on the internet with lots of you, I’m loving my new job and learning a ton. The days are flying by, which is a nice change of pace for me. During one of my first days in the new group, I wanted to bring in some goodies.
I chose these bars because they are easy to transport and I’ve had them starred in my Google Reader forever. Wow! I wish I had made these sooner. The oatmeal layers are soft and chewy, but still sturdy enough to hold the amazing fudge layer in the middle.
One guy did say they were too sweet for him, but everyone else in my new group gobbled them right up. One of my coworkers commented she was so happy that I had joined the group. I hope it’s only partially because of my baking!
Yield: ~40
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups oats
2 cups chocolate chips
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (15 oz.)
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a 9×13 pan
In a large bowl sift together flour, soda and salt. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time and beat until combined. Add vanilla and mix well.
Slowly add the sifted flour mixture and mix until combined. Stir in oatmeal.
Gently spread 2/3 crust into bottom of prepared pan. Reserve the rest for topping.
Make the filling:
Over Medium-Low heat, melt together chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and salt. Stir until smooth. Remove mixture from heat and stir in vanilla and nuts if using.
Evenly pour filling mixture of crust but keeping filling about a 1/4 inch away from side of pan so it does not stick to side while baking. Evenly dollup top of filling with remaining oat mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until topping is light brown and fudge layer set but not solid. Don’t overbake these bars or they can become dry.
Cool in pay on rack until set before cutting. Can chill to set faster. Keep stored in airtight container either room temp or in fridge.
Recipe from Baking Blonde
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
Per usual, these look fantastic! Wishing you and C a Merry Christmas!
These look delicious and they are very festive! Normally peppermint recipes don’t really catch my eye, but I will definitely have to try this one. Thanks!
Jess
http://flourchildjessie.blogspot.com/
you taking full advantage of the peppermint chocolate combo in all forms is highly appreciated. These look delightful. Merry Christmas Jen!
Do you add the crushed peppermint before or after adding the chocolate chips?
beantownbaker — December 17th, 2013 @ 10:58 am
At the same time that you add the chocolate chips. I’m updating the recipe to be more clear.
I was wondering if i could just do a second cup of regular sugar instead of the brown sugar? i am all out…
beantownbaker — December 26th, 2013 @ 10:57 am
Hi Taylor. Sorry for not responding sooner, I was offline for the holidays. The brown sugar really enhances the texture of these cookies. If you have molasses, you can make your own brown sugar by mixing molasses and white sugar. Otherwise, go ahead and use all white, just be aware that they won’t be as soft and chewy. Happy Holidays!
Do I need to adjust the recipe for my high altitude?
Thanks for sharing such a clear breakdown of Funfetti Oreo Cupcakes | Beantown Baker. For anyone comparing perspectives, Bizarre Lineage Wiki is another helpful reference.