Homemade Starbucks Copycat Oat Fudge Bars: Chewy, Fudgy & Gluten-Free Perfection

Imagine sinking your teeth into a bar that perfectly balances chewy, nutty whole grain oats with a rich, velvety layer of chocolate fudge. These homemade Oat Fudge Bars are exactly that – a decadent delight reminiscent of your favorite coffee shop treat. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make right in your own kitchen, with an option to easily adapt them to be gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy this irresistible indulgence. Get ready to recreate that beloved Starbucks experience from the comfort of your home!

The Irresistible Math of Oat Fudge Bars

Let’s talk about a delicious equation that every dessert lover needs to master:

Chewy, hearty oats + a thick, luscious fudgy chocolate layer + more wholesome, chewy oats = Pure chocolate lover’s heaven.

Multiply that by two dozen incredibly satisfying bars. Now, thoughtfully subtract a few to stash away for your secret indulgence, then generously divide the rest among delighted friends and family. Pair them with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk, and voilà – you’ve successfully completed your dessert math homework. An A+ is definitely in order!

Recreating the Coffee Shop Experience at Home

For years, a favorite ritual of mine involved escaping to Starbucks with my laptop and a stack of cookbooks. Ostensibly for research, but often bordering on delightful procrastination, this was my go-to for getting work done. The ambient background music, the gentle murmur of conversations, and the intoxicating aroma of coffee created an atmosphere perfect for focus and creativity. Yet, I must confess, the true star attraction often proved to be the magnetic pull of those indulgent oat fudge bars. How could one possibly resist the harmonious blend of chewy oats and rich, melted chocolate?

The magic of these bars lies in their simple yet perfect construction. A robust layer of chewy whole grain oats forms the base, providing a satisfying texture. Nestled above it is an unctuous, deeply chocolatey fudge layer, smooth and rich. Finally, more delightful dollops of that nubbly oat mixture are scattered on top, creating a beautiful interplay of textures and flavors. While the rolled oats do offer a whisper of health benefits, let’s be honest: these Oat Fudge Bars are a pure indulgence, a truly delicious treat. (And while I won’t explicitly endorse them for breakfast, I’m certainly not here to stop any rebellious spirits from enjoying a morning dose of pure happiness!)

Effortless & Delightful: Why These Bars Are a Must-Make

These Oat Fudge Bars are not only quick and easy to prepare, but they also yield a generous batch, making them perfect for various occasions. Their robust nature means they store exceptionally well in the refrigerator and are fantastic for freezing. I often wrap individual bars and freeze them, allowing me to easily grab one to tuck into a lunch bag whenever I need a convenient pick-me-up. Their sturdy structure also makes them ideal for travel, whether you’re heading to a picnic, a potluck, or a party.

Just last autumn, after an enjoyable apple pressing and wiener roast with a small group of friends, these bars served as a wonderfully easy dessert. They also joined us on our memorable hike up to the Athabasca Lookout, where the fall foliage painted the valley in breathtaking hues. Sitting atop that stunning vantage point, savoring one of these delicious bars while gazing at the vibrant landscape, was truly one of the highlights of the season.

A Recipe Re-Discovered: From Notebook to Coffee Shop Favorite

The first time I tasted an Oat Fudge Bar at Starbucks, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I immediately recognized the flavor, transporting me back to my early twenties, teaching in Calgary. These bars were a staple at many of our staff lunches, and the recipe was so sought-after that it quickly found its way into my treasured notebook of handwritten “keeper” recipes. I made them countless times over the years, but as often happens with beloved recipes, it eventually faded from regular rotation as other delicious treats became new family favorites. Then, a couple of years ago, tasting that familiar bar at Starbucks sparked a mission: to dig out my old recipe for Oatmeal Fudge Bars and bring it back to life. Lo and behold – it was essentially the exact same irresistible recipe as the one served in the coffee shop!

And so, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. Especially in times when visiting a bustling coffee shop might feel like a distant memory, you can now indulge in a truly delicious Oat Fudge Bar within the cozy confines of your own kitchen. Simply put on some of your favorite music, settle in with a good book, and enhance your treat with a frothy Whipped Coffee, a refreshing Cold Brew Iced Coffee, or even a glass of creamy cold Cashew Milk. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a delightful café, feeling that all is wonderful in the world.

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Making Your Oat Fudge Bars Gluten-Free

For those who prefer or require gluten-free options, these Oat Fudge Bars are incredibly adaptable. My original recipe called for 2½ cups of regular all-purpose flour. However, I’ve successfully replaced this with 3 cups of oat flour to create perfectly delicious gluten-free bars. You have the flexibility to choose either method, depending on your dietary needs.

Oat flour can be found at most health food stores, but it’s remarkably simple and cost-effective to make your own at home. Just place about 1 heaping cup of gluten-free rolled oats into a blender or food processor at a time and blend until it transforms into a fine, flour-like consistency. Generally, 1 heaping cup of oats yields approximately 1 cup of oat flour. For the most precise results in this recipe, aim for 350 grams of gluten-free oats if you’re making your own oat flour from scratch. This simple substitution ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy these chewy, chocolatey delights.

Oat Fudge Bars (Gluten-Free Copycat Starbucks Recipe)

For the Oat Layers:

• 1 cup (227gms) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (320gms) brown sugar, lightly packed (or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 cups (350gms) oat flour, certified gluten-free (or 2½ cups/350gms regular all-purpose flour for non-gluten-free bars)
• 3 cups (300gms) old-fashioned rolled oats, certified gluten-free if necessary

For the Fudge Layer:

• 2 cups (12oz/340gms) good quality chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet measuring approximately 15½” x 10½” x 1″ (39 x 27 x 2.5 cm). Alternatively, you can use a 9 x 13″ pan, but note that the bars will be thicker.
2. Prepare the Oat Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and the mixture is airy. Beat in the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the oat flour (or regular flour) and the rolled oats to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. The mixture will be quite thick and sticky. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes; this gives the oats time to absorb some of the moisture, resulting in a chewier bar.
5. Make the Fudge Layer: While the oat mixture rests, prepare the fudge. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
6. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until most of the chocolate chips have melted. Remove the saucepan from the heat and continue stirring vigorously until all the chocolate chips are fully melted and the fudge is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Assemble the Bars: Take ⅔ of the oat batter and press it evenly into the bottom of your greased baking sheet. The batter will be sticky; a helpful tip is to lightly moisten the back of a large spoon with cold water and use it to spread the batter smoothly across the pan, re-wetting the spoon as needed.
8. Carefully spread the warm chocolate fudge mixture evenly over the oat base.
9. Using your fingers or a teaspoon, drop small, irregular bits of the remaining ⅓ oat batter over the fudge layer. Aim for an even distribution, allowing plenty of the rich fudge to peek through the oat blobs. The fudge layer should be roughly half covered with these oat crumbles.
10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges of the oat topping are lightly golden brown and the fudge is set.
11. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This is crucial for clean cuts and for the fudge to fully set. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares (typically 6 rows by 4 rows).

Makes 2 dozen delightful bars. Any extras, if you’re lucky enough to have them, freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To freeze, pack the bars in single layers with wax paper between them in an airtight container, or wrap them individually in plastic cling film before placing them in a container. This makes them perfect for quick lunchbox packing or a spontaneous treat!

Guten Appetit!

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