Irresistible Red Velvet Oatmeal Fudge Bars: A Decadent Layered Dessert for Any Occasion
Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable treat that brings together two beloved desserts into one unforgettable experience: these incredible red velvet oatmeal fudge bars. Imagine a rich, creamy chocolate fudge layer perfectly nestled between two irresistible layers of soft, chewy red velvet oatmeal cookie bars. This masterful combination results in a dessert that promises love at first bite, blending classic flavors with a delightful twist. Whether you’re a fan of the comforting texture of oatmeal cookies, the deep satisfaction of chocolate fudge, or the vibrant allure of red velvet, these bars deliver a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
The Allure of Red Velvet: A Classic Dessert with a Modern Twist
Beyond their delightful taste and texture, these oatmeal fudge bars boast a stunning visual appeal thanks to their gorgeous red velvet color. This vibrant scarlet hue transforms the humble, old-school oatmeal fudge bar into an elegant dessert, making it ideal for special occasions or any time you want to impress. The striking contrast between the rich red cookie and the dark, luxurious fudge layer makes these bars a true showstopper on any dessert table.
Red velvet has a unique charm, often associated with celebrations and romance, particularly Valentine’s Day. Growing up, Valentine’s Day was almost as significant as Christmas in my household, largely due to my mother’s boundless enthusiasm for the holiday. Our home would be specially decorated, gifts exchanged, and red or heart-shaped foods were an absolute must. From Red Velvet Cookies to other themed treats, food played a central role in our festivities. This passion for themed baking carried over into my adult life; last year, I found myself making heart-shaped Chocolate Dipped Butter Cookies for my husband. It was a joyful experience that brought back wonderful childhood memories.
This year, I’m thrilled to introduce these Red Velvet Oatmeal Fudge Bars as a new centerpiece for our celebrations. They seamlessly combine the rich essence of red velvet with the irresistible comfort of chocolate. After all, what better way to express affection than with chocolate? And let me assure you, these bars are not skimpy on the fudge! Each bite offers a generous layer of rich, silky chocolate that feels like a decadent frosting, elevating the entire experience.
The Secret to Silky Fudge and Chewy Cookies
The unparalleled silkiness of the fudge layer is largely thanks to one key ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This magical ingredient contributes to the creamy texture and rich sweetness, ensuring a perfectly smooth and luxurious fudge. You’ll only need one cup for this recipe, so if you find yourself with extra, don’t let it go to waste! Stirring leftover sweetened condensed milk into your hot or iced coffee is a delightful way to enjoy it – a personal favorite of mine that pairs wonderfully with these bars.
Adding another layer of decadence and satisfying texture are the two chewy oatmeal cookie layers. I personally prefer my cookies to be soft and chewy, so I take care not to overbake these bars. This ensures that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them so addictive. However, if you enjoy a slightly crispier edge, feel free to extend the baking time by an additional five minutes to achieve your desired texture. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your preference, whether you crave ultimate chewiness or a subtle crisp.
These bars are not just for special occasions; they are perfect for everyday indulgence, potlucks, bake sales, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out from traditional cookie bars. The oats provide a delightful chew and a wholesome feel, while the red velvet flavor adds a hint of cocoa and a beautiful color. The fudge ties it all together with its intense chocolatey goodness, making each square a miniature masterpiece.
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Ingredients You Will Need: Crafting Your Red Velvet Delights
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these magnificent bars. Most of these items are likely staples in your pantry, making this recipe accessible and enjoyable to prepare. Be sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best texture in your cookie layer, as quick oats can result in a different consistency. For the butter, ensure it’s properly softened to cream smoothly with the sugar, which is crucial for the cookie’s tenderness. And, of course, the red food dye is essential for achieving that iconic red velvet hue.
For the cookie layer:
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red food dye (liquid or gel, depending on desired vibrancy)
For the fudge layer, the quality of your chocolate chips will significantly impact the flavor. Choose a brand you love for the best results. The sweetened condensed milk is non-negotiable for that signature creamy texture, so double-check that you’re not grabbing evaporated milk by mistake!
For the fudge layer:
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, to your preference)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (ensure it’s NOT evaporated milk)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Essential Tools for Baking Success: Your Kitchen Arsenal
Having the right tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable. A hand mixer will be invaluable for creaming the butter and sugar for the cookie dough, ensuring it’s light and fluffy. A sturdy spatula is perfect for mixing dry ingredients and spreading the fudge. And, of course, a good quality square baking pan is essential for forming your bars. Lining it with parchment paper is a pro tip that makes removal and cleanup incredibly easy.
- Hand mixer (for creaming ingredients smoothly)
- Spatula (for mixing and spreading)
- Square baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inch)
- Parchment paper (for easy removal and clean cuts)
Baking Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Oatmeal Fudge Bars
These delightful bars can be baked in either an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, depending on how thick you prefer your layers. I highly recommend lining your chosen pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges slightly. This simple trick creates “handles” that make it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once cooled, preventing any sticky, fudgy mishaps and ensuring a clean removal. For achieving beautifully clean, crisp lines when cutting your bars, a crucial tip is to pop the cooled bars into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before slicing. This firms up both the cookie and fudge layers, allowing for precise, neat cuts.
When it comes to baking, oven calibration is key. Every oven can behave a little differently, especially as it ages. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can help you ensure your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature, preventing under or over-baking. If you’re using a toaster oven or countertop oven, be mindful that they may distribute heat differently than a conventional full-sized oven, and you might need to adjust baking times accordingly. Patience during the cooling process is also vital; resist the urge to cut into them too soon, as the fudge needs time to set properly to achieve that perfect gooey, yet firm, texture.
Red Velvet Oatmeal Fudge Bars
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
For the cookie layer:
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Red food dye
For the fudge layer:
- 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk NOT evaporated
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure they are well mixed, then set aside.
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In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Add red food dye gradually, mixing until the cookie dough achieves a vibrant, rich dark red color. The exact amount of dye needed will vary depending on its strength (approximately half a bottle of liquid dye or a few drops of gel dye).
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Slowly add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If the color needs more intensity, add a few more drops of red food dye at this stage.
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Press about two-thirds (2/3) of the prepared cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a compact, uniform layer. Set the remaining dough aside.
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For the fudge layer, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir frequently until all the ingredients are melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to scorch the chocolate.
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Carefully pour the warm, melted fudge mixture over the pressed cookie dough layer in the pan. Gently spread it into an even layer using your spatula. Then, take spoonfuls of the remaining red velvet cookie dough and dot them randomly over the top of the fudge layer. This will create a delightful marbled effect and ensure both cookie layers are present.
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Bake the bars for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the top cookie dough layer is almost set and the edges are lightly golden, but the center still appears soft. Remember, these are meant to be chewy, so avoid overbaking. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the cooled bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your decadent Red Velvet Oatmeal Fudge Bars!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
