Description
These Oatmeal Fudge Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat combining the hearty texture of rolled oats with the rich taste of dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Perfect as a healthy snack or a satisfying dessert, they’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce, making them a nutritious option for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry components are evenly blended.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. The batter will be thick but evenly mixed.
- Layer the batter: Spread half of the oatmeal batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula.
- Add chocolate layer: Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the first layer of batter to create a rich chocolate layer.
- Top with remaining batter: Spread the remaining oatmeal batter carefully over the chocolate layer, covering it completely and smoothing the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden in color.
- Cool and cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into 12 bars and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Maple syrup or honey can be used interchangeably for natural sweetness.
- Use any nut butter of your choice if peanut butter is not preferred.
- For a vegan option, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Storing the bars in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individually and thaw before serving.
