Sugar Free Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Sugar Free Oatmeal Fudge Bars are a delicious alternative to the usual oat bar and they are easy to make.

This layered dessert features a velvety layer of sugar free fudge tucked inside of two layers of a chewy, buttery oat crumble-like layers for the perfect decadent dessert.

Why this recipe works

This is really an easy recipe that is made with simple ingredients. The fudge is already made, making this recipe even easier to put together!

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• The old fashioned oats give these bars that chewy texture that holds together well.
• When you bite into these bars you are greeted with the decadent fudgy center, which is the perfect complement to the oats that surround it.
• Oats add fiber to these bars making them a healthier alternative to the usual bar.
• Leftovers are perfect for taking on the go as a snack or as part of a packed lunch.

Have you tried my recipe for Sugar Free No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars?

Made with peanut butter and oats and sweetened with honey, those tasty treats are perfectly chewy and sweet with a chocolate ganache topping.
Both this recipe for Oatmeal Fudge Bars and that recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are great tasting bars made with oats and no added sugar.

Sugar Free "Hot Fudge" is used as the center layer in these bars. You can find Sugar Free Hot Fudge here.

Ingredients you will need.

• Old Fashioned Oats. Rolled or Old Fashioned Oats work best in this recipe.
• Flour. Regular all purpose flour. A gluten free alternative that measures like regular flour can be used.
• Leaveners Both Baking Powder and Baking Soda are used.
• Butter. Salted butter can be used.
• Brown Sugar Alternative Use a brown sugar alternative that measures like sugar and that can also be baked with.
• Egg. A large egg at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract For a bit of flavor balance.
• Sugar Free Hot Fudge . The kind that comes in a jar.

How to Make Oatmeal Fudge Bars without Sugar

• Prep Time 15 minutes .
• Bake Time 25 minutes .
• Servings 16 bars .
• How to serve : Serve warm with milk, Sugar Free Vanilla Ice Cream, or cool as desired.
• Notes: You will need an 8x8" baking pan, mixer, a whisk, and bowls to make this recipe.

1. Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Also, prep your pan for nonstick. Spray or parchment paper can work in this recipe.
2. Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and oats.
3. Cream. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar alternative until creamy and fluffy. This can take a few minutes. Then stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine. Set the mixer on slow or low speed and slowly add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to the mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.
5. Fudge. Remove the lid from the fudge and heat it up in your microwave (there will most likely be directions on the jar).
6. Bottom. While the fudge is heating, you can press about two thirds of the mixture from the mixing bowl into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the bottom layer of your bars. The remaining third will be used as the top layer.
7. Layer. Evenly, and carefully, spread the warm fudge over the bottom layer in the pan. Then sprinkle the remaining mixture from the mixing bowl on top of the fudge layer.
8. Bake Bake your oat bars for 25 minutes, or until the top starts to turn golden brown.
9. Set Allow the bars to set before slicing and serving them.

Tips for making the best fudge oat bars.

While old fashioned and quick oats are technically interchangeable in this recipe, we prefer to use old fashioned. Quick oats will give your bars a crunchier texture while the old fashioned oats offer a softer, chewier texture.

More helpful tips for you.

1. Make sure your hot fudge is really really warm when you spread it, otherwise it will just tear up the oat base and make a big mess. Take precautions as well when working with the fudge as it may be hot in the center of the jar.
2. Avoid overbaking your bars as this can affect the texture of the bars. Your bars are done baking when the edges are golden but the center still has a slight jiggle. The fudgey center will set perfectly as it cools.
3. Allow your bars to set for 15-30 minutes before slicing into them. This will allow you to get cleanly cut bars rather than bars that are sloppy or messy.

FAQ

• Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You should also makes sure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well. If the dough seems to be too crumbly, try Because gluten-free flours can be more absorbent, you might need to add a teaspoon or so of softened butter.
• What is the best brown sugar alternative to use in this recipe?
  Your brown sugar alternative should measure like regular brown sugar and should also be suitable for baking with. A "Gold" or brown sugar alternative that contains a blend of erythritol and monk fruit can have a moist and packed texture similar to real brown sugar.
• My fudge seems to be too thin to use as a layer in these bars. No worries. If your "hot sugar free fudge" is a bit thin, simply stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter. This adds healthy fats and ensures the middle layer stays thick and decadent plus it adds extra flavor to the bars.
• Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?
  This usually happens when the bars have not had enough time to set after they have been taken out of the oven. Slicing the bars while they are still warm and the fudge layer is too soft can cause the bars to fall apart. For the cleanest slices, let the bars cool completely to room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least two hours before cutting.

Variations.

• Add a Caramel Element. Drizzle Sugar Free Caramel Sauce over the fudge layer before adding the top oat crumble. For an added bonus, sprinkle the caramel with coarse sea salt.
• Peanut Butter Drop small dollops of creamy sugar free peanut butter onto the fudge layer and then use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl them around before baking.
• Mocha Stir a teaspoon of espresso powder into the hot fudge. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor significantly.

How to Store Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Once the bars have fully cooled and set, they should be stored in an airtight container. You may want to add a piece of parchment or wax paper between any layers. When properly stored, these bars should keep for up to five days when refrigerated or up to a few months when frozen. You can enjoy your oat fudge bars at room temperature or warmed in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

You may also be interested in these no added sugar recipes made with oats.

• Sugar Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Sugar Free Ranger Cookies
• No Added Sugar Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Sugar Free Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies
• Sugar Free Iced Oatmeal Cookies
• Sugar Free No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars