Irresistible M&M Chocolate Oat Bars: Your New Go-To Dessert Recipe
Prepare to discover your next favorite dessert: M&M Chocolate Oat Bars. These bars feature a rich, chewy brown sugar oatmeal cookie base, generously layered with creamy chocolate fudge, and crowned with a colorful scattering of M&M’s. They are an utterly delicious treat perfect for any occasion, bringing a burst of flavor and fun to every bite.
Growing up, some of my fondest memories revolved around my grandma’s kitchen, especially her famous Fudge Nut Bars. Every visit meant a fresh batch, and without fail, the brown sugar oatmeal cookie base was my absolute favorite part. Pair that with a thick layer of smooth, creamy fudge, and you truly had a piece of heaven. As I got older, I realized my palate wasn’t always a fan of nuts in my desserts, so I developed my own version, the Oatmeal Fudge Bars. They retained all the delightful flavors and textures I cherished from my grandma’s recipe, but without the added nuts. Today, I’ve taken that beloved recipe and elevated it to an even more exciting level. Because, let’s be honest, M&M’s have a magical way of making everything better!
These M&M Chocolate Oat Bars are always a showstopper and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Their versatility is one of their greatest charms; you can easily swap in seasonal M&M’s to match any holiday or time of year – think vibrant pastels for spring, festive red and green for Christmas, or classic colors for everyday indulgence. The combination of the chewy oat crust, the decadent chocolate fudge, and the satisfying crunch of M&M’s creates a symphony of textures and flavors. After all, what could possibly complement a rich layer of chocolate fudge better than even more chocolate in the form of colorful candy-coated gems?
I must admit, I have a soft spot for M&M’s in almost any dessert. They add a playful touch and a burst of color that instantly brightens up a treat. Take Monster Cookies, for instance – they’re one of my top picks, and a big reason why is the joy and festivity the M&M’s bring. These oat bars capture that same spirit, but in a wonderfully chewy and fudgy format that’s incredibly satisfying.
Crafting Your M&M Chocolate Oat Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful M&M Chocolate Oat Bars is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. The key lies in understanding each step to ensure perfect texture and flavor. We’ll start with the irresistible oatmeal cookie base, then move on to the rich fudge layer, and finally, add the iconic M&M’s for that signature crunch and visual appeal. Let’s walk through it together:
- Prepare the Oat Base: Begin by creaming together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the bar’s tender texture. Don’t rush it; it typically takes a couple of minutes with an electric mixer. Once combined, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, gently stir in the dry ingredients: old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Form the Bottom Layer: Take approximately two-thirds of this delicious cookie dough mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of a prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Make sure to press firmly so you have a compact and even base.
- Prepare the Fudge Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 1 minute, then remove and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. If any chocolate chunks remain, continue to heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until perfectly melted and uniform. The salt in the fudge helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Infuse with Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into your smooth chocolate fudge mixture. This adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the fudge. Once combined, pour this decadent fudge over the pressed oat base in your baking dish, spreading it evenly from edge to edge.
- Add the Crumb Topping: Now, crumble the remaining one-third of the oat cookie dough mixture evenly over the fudge layer. Don’t worry if there are a few small gaps; these add to the rustic, homemade charm and allow peeks of the fudge below.
- Sprinkle with M&M’s and Bake: Generously sprinkle your chosen M&M’s evenly over the top layer of crumbled dough. They will slightly melt and adhere to the bars, creating a beautiful, colorful crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top will be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the oat crumble (not the fudge) should come out mostly clean.
- Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most challenging step: patience! Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice and serve. Cooling allows the fudge to set properly, ensuring clean cuts and a perfect texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect M&M Chocolate Oat Bars
- Embrace the Electric Mixer: While you can technically make the dough by hand, an electric stand mixer or a hand mixer will make the process incredibly quick and easy, ensuring the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed and the dough comes together smoothly. This also helps achieve that desirable light and fluffy texture.
- Start with Softened Butter: This is a golden rule in baking! Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light, airy base for your cookie dough. If your butter isn’t soft enough, it won’t incorporate properly, leading to a denser, less tender bar. You can quickly soften cold butter by cutting it into cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, or by gently microwaving it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until pliable, but not melted.
- Fudge Melting Methods: The microwave is a fast and efficient way to melt the chocolate for the fudge layer. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, you can certainly use a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir continuously and keep the heat low to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning, which can ruin the texture and flavor. A double boiler is also an excellent option for even, gentle melting.
- Cooling is Key: Sprinkling the M&M’s over the bars before baking ensures they adhere beautifully and become part of the top layer. However, the most critical tip for perfectly structured bars is to let them cool completely before cutting. This allows the fudge layer to firm up and the oat base to set, preventing a messy, crumbly outcome and ensuring neat, attractive squares. Resist the urge to cut into them warm, no matter how tempting!
Bar cookies, like these M&M Chocolate Oat Bars, are truly one of the simplest and most rewarding desserts to bake. There’s no need to meticulously scoop and shape individual cookie balls or juggle multiple baking sheets. Instead, you simply press the dough into a single pan, bake for about 30 minutes, and you’re done! This makes them an ideal baking project for busy weeknights or for getting kids involved in the kitchen. Their ease of preparation doesn’t compromise on flavor or visual appeal, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Storing Your M&M Chocolate Oat Bars
Proper storage is essential to keep your M&M Chocolate Oat Bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible. You have a couple of convenient options. You can simply leave them in the 13×9-inch baking dish in which they were baked and cover the entire pan tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. If your baking dish comes with a fitted lid, that’s an even better solution for an airtight seal. Alternatively, once the bars are completely cooled and sliced, you can transfer them to an airtight container. Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Stored at room temperature on the counter, these bars will stay wonderfully fresh and enjoyable for a few days.
Freezing M&M Chocolate Oat Bars for Later
Absolutely, these M&M Chocolate Oat Bars freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert or a way to enjoy a treat whenever a craving strikes. For best results, it’s highly recommended to slice the bars into individual portions before freezing. This makes it much easier to grab just one or two when you want them, without having to thaw the entire batch. Place the sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, again using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for an hour or so, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, fudgy treat.
Explore More Fun Dessert Recipes
- Homemade Star Crunch
- Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sugar Cookies
- Chick Fil A Brownies
- Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
- Magic Cookie Bars
M&M Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Video
Equipment
-
Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
-
13×9 Baking Dish
-
GIR Spatula
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Fudge Layer
- 1 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C). Grease or line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
-
In an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until fully incorporated. Stir in the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to create a firm, even layer.
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until smooth and completely melted. If needed, heat in additional 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the fudge is a uniform consistency.
-
Stir the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the prepared fudge mixture until well combined. Pour this delicious fudge over the pressed oat base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
-
Crumble the remaining one-third of the oat base mixture over the top of the fudge layer. It’s okay if some of the fudge peeks through.
-
Sprinkle the 1 cup of mini M&M’s evenly over the top of the crumbled oat mixture.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center may still appear slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
-
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the M&M Chocolate Oat Bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares and serving. This is crucial for the fudge to set properly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I’ve created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
.