Go Back
Candy fudge bar with oatmeal layers, chocolate fudge center, and colorful candy pieces

Candy Fudge Bars with Chocolate Oatmeal and Candy Pieces

Candy Fudge Bars are a chewy, layered dessert with an oatmeal base, creamy chocolate fudge center, and candy-studded finish. They are a fun choice for gatherings or anytime you want a rich homemade treat with contrasting textures.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 463
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Oat mixture
  • 1/2 cup butter + 2 tbs.
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
Chocolate mixture
  • 1 14-ounce (397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 12-ounce (340 g) package (2 cups) semisweet chocolate pieces
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
Topping
  • 1 pkg. M&M’s, 1 pkg. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the butter. Beat the remaining butter or margarine in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the brown sugar and mix until combined. Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla, then blend in the dry ingredients until the mixture comes together.
Cooking
  1. Combine the reserved butter or margarine, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate pieces in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate melts.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 2 teaspoons vanilla.
Assembly
  1. Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×9-inch square baking pan. Spread about 3/4 of the chocolate mixture over the oat layer, reserving the remaining portion if desired.
  2. Use your fingers to place the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer. Cut the candy into pieces and sprinkle them over the top.
Baking
  1. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. The chocolate layer will still appear moist.

Notes

The bars will not be fully set when they come out of the oven, and that is expected. Refrigerate them for at least 12 hours so they firm enough to cut. After this chilling period, they can remain out of the refrigerator and still hold their shape.