Starbucks Oat and Fudge Bars

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy a chewy, sweet, and chocolatey treat straight from Starbucks without leaving home, these Oat and Fudge Bars are your dream come true. Imagine a buttery, golden oat base that’s slightly crisp around the edges but soft and chewy in the center, topped with a rich, fudgy layer that melts in your mouth. Every bite hits that perfect balance of sweet and hearty, making these bars a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll never reach for a store-bought version again.

Recipe Origin:
Inspired by the famous Starbucks oat and fudge bars, this recipe is a homemade take on the café favorite. By combining a wholesome oat base with a decadent fudge topping, you get the perfect blend of texture and flavor that’s reminiscent of your favorite coffeehouse treat.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
Large mixing bowl
Whisk and spoon for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons
8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
Saucepan for fudge
Spatula
Knife for cutting

Why You’ll Love Starbucks Oat and Fudge Bars

Versatile: Perfect as an afternoon snack, dessert, or coffee companion. They’re great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or even a simple indulgent treat for yourself.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like oats, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips. No need for fancy ingredients—this recipe is simple but feels luxurious.

Quick and Easy: With a straightforward oat base and simple fudge topping, you can create these bars in under an hour from start to finish.

Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Chewy, chocolatey, and buttery—everyone will want a second (or third) bar.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
• Don’t overbake the oat base; it should be slightly golden, not dry.
• For extra fudginess, stir the chocolate chips gently into the hot condensed milk rather than boiling them.
• Cool the bars completely before slicing to get clean, neat squares.

Ingredients in Starbucks Oat and Fudge Bars
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Oat Base Ingredients: Granulated sugar, brown sugar, salted butter, eggs, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, old-fashioned oats. The combination creates a chewy, slightly crisp, and hearty base that supports the decadent fudge topping.

Fudge Ingredients: Sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, salted butter. These ingredients form a smooth, creamy chocolate layer that melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with the oat base.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible treat:

Prepare the Oat Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking soda. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture until just combined. Stir in the oats until evenly distributed.

Bake the Base: Press the oat mixture evenly into a greased or lined baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while preparing the fudge.

Make the Fudge Topping: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with sweetened condensed milk. Once melted, add chocolate chips and stir until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Bars: Pour the warm fudge over the slightly cooled oat base, spreading evenly with a spatula. Allow the fudge layer to set at room temperature, or refrigerate briefly for faster setting.

Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy on their own or with a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.

Nutrition Facts
Servings:
Calories per serving:

Preparation Time
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How to Serve Starbucks Oat and Fudge Bars
These bars are versatile and can be served in many ways:

With Coffee or Tea: Perfect companion for your morning or afternoon beverage.
As a Snack: Pack into lunchboxes or snack containers for an on-the-go treat.
Dessert Plate: Pair with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Gift or Potluck: Cut neatly into squares and wrap as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try:

• Add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch.
• Sprinkle sea salt over the fudge for a sweet-salty twist.
• Mix in dried fruit or coconut flakes into the oat base for added flavor.

Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Measure all ingredients and line your pan before starting for a smoother process.
Texture Adjustments: For a chewier base, slightly underbake; for crispier, bake a few extra minutes.
Chocolate Options: Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips according to your preference.
Double the Batch: These bars freeze well, making them ideal for baking ahead and sharing.

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A1: You can, but old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture. Quick oats will make the base softer.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store leftover bars?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to keep the fudge layer firm.

Q4: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A4: Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Q5: Can I make these bars vegan?
A5: Yes, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan condensed milk substitute.

Q6: How do I prevent the fudge from separating?
A6: Melt slowly over low heat and stir constantly until smooth. Avoid boiling.

Q7: Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the fudge layer?
A7: Yes! Fold in gently after the chocolate chips melt for extra texture.

Q8: Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
A8: Not necessary, but refrigerating helps set the fudge faster and keeps them firm.

Q9: How long do these bars stay fresh?
A9: Up to 5 days at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated, or 2 months frozen.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, use a larger pan or bake in two batches to maintain even baking.

Conclusion
These Starbucks Oat and Fudge Bars bring together chewy oats and rich chocolate in a way that feels indulgent yet homemade. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or gift, they’re simple to make but impossible to resist. Once you bake a batch, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, always ready to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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