Irresistible M&M Chocolate Oat Bars: The Ultimate Chewy Fudge Delight
Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors and textures with these M&M Chocolate Oat Bars. Featuring a rich, chewy brown sugar oatmeal cookie base, a luscious layer of creamy chocolate fudge, and a vibrant sprinkle of M&M’s on top, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises an easy and incredibly rewarding dessert experience that will have everyone asking for more.
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade dessert, especially one that brings back cherished memories. For me, that nostalgia is wrapped up in the Fudge Nut Bars my grandma used to make. Every visit to her house was an opportunity to savor these heavenly creations. The foundation was always my favorite part: a perfectly chewy brown sugar oatmeal cookie base, elevated by a thick, creamy layer of chocolate fudge. It was pure bliss in every bite.
As I grew older and started experimenting in my own kitchen, I realized that while I loved grandma’s recipe, I wasn’t always a fan of nuts in my desserts. So, I set out to create my very own version, ensuring it retained all the irresistible qualities I adored, but without the nuts. This led to my beloved Oatmeal Fudge Bars. They captured the essence of my childhood favorite, delivering that same deliciousness in a nut-free package. And today, I’ve taken them to an even higher level of deliciousness by adding a colorful, candy-coated crunch that truly makes everything better: M&M’s!
Why You’ll Love These M&M Chocolate Oat Bars
These M&M bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at every gathering. I’ve brought them to countless parties, potlucks, and family events, and they disappear faster than I can bake them! What makes them so special? Their incredible versatility, for one. You can easily switch out regular M&M’s for seasonal varieties, transforming these bars into festive treats for fall, spring, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any holiday in between. Imagine vibrant red and green M&M’s for Christmas, or pastel colors for Easter – the possibilities are endless!
Beyond their visual appeal, the flavor combination is simply divine. The rich, buttery brown sugar oat cookie provides a hearty, textured base that perfectly complements the smooth, decadent chocolate fudge layer. And let’s be honest, what could possibly pair better with a generous layer of chocolate fudge than more chocolate, especially in the form of colorful, crunchy M&M’s? They add a playful texture and an extra burst of chocolatey goodness that makes each bite an experience.
I must confess, I’m a complete sucker for M&M’s in almost any form. They have a magical way of making any dessert feel more fun and festive. My absolute favorite Monster Cookies, for instance, owe much of their charm to the colorful inclusion of M&M’s. These M&M Chocolate Oat Bars take that same joy and elevates it into a convenient, sliceable format that’s perfect for sharing (or secretly hoarding, we won’t tell!).
How to Make M&M Chocolate Oat Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful M&M Chocolate Oat Bars is a straightforward process, making them an ideal recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s how you’ll bring them to life:
- Prepare Your Base Dough: Begin by creaming together softened butter and rich brown sugar. This step is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture, so don’t rush it – allow a few minutes for the mixture to become truly airy. Next, incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract until they are fully blended. Finally, fold in the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix just until all the dry ingredients are combined with the wet, forming a cohesive cookie dough.
- Form the Bottom Layer: Take approximately two-thirds of your prepared cookie dough mixture. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish. This will form the sturdy and delicious base for your bars.
- Craft the Silky Fudge Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, two tablespoons of butter, and a teaspoon of salt. Microwave for 1 minute, then remove and stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and glossy. If it still needs a little more melting, heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until perfectly smooth.
- Add Vanilla to Fudge: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract into your melted fudge mixture. This enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. Once fully combined, pour this decadent fudge over the pressed oatmeal cookie base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Crumble the Top Layer: Take the remaining one-third of your cookie dough. Crumble it evenly over the smooth fudge layer. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; a few open spots where the fudge peeks through add to the rustic charm of these bars.
- Sprinkle with M&M’s and Bake: Generously sprinkle your mini M&M’s over the crumbled cookie dough. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are cooked through.
- Cool Completely: This step is vital for perfectly set bars! Remove the M&M Chocolate Oat Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice and serve. This patience will be rewarded with neat, delicious bars.
Recipe Tips for Perfect M&M Chocolate Oat Bars
- Use an Electric Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric stand mixer or hand mixer will make the cookie dough come together much quicker and ensure a smooth, well-aerated base. It truly simplifies the creaming process.
- Softened Butter is Key: Always start with butter that has been softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating an emulsified base that holds air and results in a tender, chewy cookie. If your butter is too cold, it won’t combine correctly, and if it’s melted, it can lead to greasy, dense bars.
- Melting the Fudge: The microwave method for melting the fudge ingredients is incredibly convenient. However, if you prefer, you can certainly use a saucepan over low heat. Just be sure to stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from scorching, which can happen quickly if the heat is too high.
- Cooling is Crucial: I cannot stress this enough – allow the bars to cool completely before attempting to cut them. Warm fudge is liquid fudge, and trying to slice the bars too soon will result in a messy, gooey (albeit delicious) disaster. Patience will yield clean, perfectly structured bars. For best results, consider refrigerating them for an hour or two once they’ve cooled to room temperature.
- Pan Preparation: Lightly grease your 13×9 inch baking dish or, even better, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of cooled bars out of the pan for neat slicing.
- Seasonal M&M’s: As mentioned, these bars are fantastic with seasonal M&M’s. Think pastel colors for spring, red and blue for patriotic holidays, or dark colors for Halloween. This small change makes them perfect for any holiday celebration.
Bar cookies are hands down one of the easiest and most gratifying desserts to make. There’s no fussing with individual cookie scoops, shaping uniform balls of dough, or baking multiple trays. You simply press the dough into one pan, bake it for about 30 minutes, and you’re done! This straightforward process makes them a fantastic recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen, too. They’ll love helping with the mixing, pressing, and especially sprinkling those colorful M&M’s!
How to Store M&M Chocolate Oat Bars
Storing your delicious M&M Chocolate Oat Bars is simple. If you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days, you can leave them right in the 13×9 inch baking dish they were baked in. Simply cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or use a lid if your dish comes with one. Alternatively, you can slice the cooled bars into individual portions and place them in an airtight container. They will maintain their freshness and wonderful chewy texture on the counter for 3-4 days, making them perfect for meal prepping your sweet treats.
Can You Freeze M&M Chocolate Oat Bars?
Absolutely! These M&M Chocolate Oat Bars freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. To freeze, ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing them into individual portions. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the frozen bars to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw individual bars at room temperature for an hour or two, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
More Fun Dessert Recipes to Try
If you loved these M&M Chocolate Oat Bars, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our delightful dessert recipes. Here are some other favorites that are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Homemade Star Crunch: A crispy, chewy, chocolatey delight reminiscent of your favorite childhood snack.
- Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats: A flavorful twist on a classic, featuring the irresistible taste of Biscoff.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies: The ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, soft and rich.
- Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: Two favorites combined into one epic cookie experience.
- Sugar Cookies: A classic, versatile recipe perfect for decorating for any holiday.
- Chick Fil A Brownies: Recreate the beloved fudgy brownies from the popular fast-food chain.
- Texas Sheet Cake Cookies: All the flavor of a Texas Sheet Cake in a convenient cookie form.
- Magic Cookie Bars: A layered dessert that truly lives up to its name – magically easy and delicious.
4.54 from 39 votes
M&M Chocolate Oat Bars Recipe
Erin Sellin
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Equipment
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Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
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13×9 Baking Dish
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GIR Spatula
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 whole 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
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Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C). Grease or line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
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In an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air, resulting in a tender cookie base.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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Gradually add the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.
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Press two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure a compact and uniform layer.
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For the fudge layer, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until smooth and creamy. If necessary, heat in additional 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the fudge is perfectly melted and smooth.
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Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted fudge mixture until well combined. Pour this luscious fudge over the pressed oatmeal cookie base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
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Crumble the remaining one-third of the cookie dough mixture evenly over the fudge layer. Don’t worry if there are a few gaps; it adds to the homemade charm.
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Sprinkle the mini M&M’s evenly over the top of the crumbled dough layer.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The fudge may still look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
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Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This step is crucial for clean cuts and set fudge. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 284kcal |
Carbohydrates: 40g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 12g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Cholesterol: 40mg |
Sodium: 333mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 22g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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