How to rescue fudge that won't set?

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

How long does it take for fudge to set?

After the chocolate has mostly melted, stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny. Pour into a prepared 8 x 8 inch pan. Let the fudge set at room temperature (covered) for at least four hours .

Why hasn't my fudge harden?

The most common culprit behind unset fudge is inaccurate temperature control . If the sugar mixture hasn't reached the correct temperature, your fudge won't set. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and follow temperature guidelines meticulously to achieve the desired consistency.

Do you refrigerate fudge to set?

The ratio of chocolate to condensed milk needs to be just right, otherwise you might end up with fudge that is too soft or too hard. Do not freeze the fudge to set it. Best way is to just be patient for a couple hours and set it in the fridge . If your fudge hasn't set, then you've gone wrong somewhere else.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge?

Use Evaporated Milk - Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet.

How do I know if my fudge is going to set?

Points to remember You know it's ready when a small amount of the mixture dropped into a glass of cold water sets into a soft ball that you can lift out with a teaspoon and pinch between your fingers . Turn off the heat and keep stirring for 5 minutes or until the mix starts to thicken a little.

What do you do with unset fudge?

If it feels a little too soft then boil for a couple minutes more and test again. The unset fudge can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge and used as an ice cream sauce . It can also be frozen in an aluminium pan as it will become firmer and can be served direct from the freezer.

Should I stir fudge while boiling?

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

Why did my fudge stay soft?

If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft .

Can I freeze fudge to make it set?

We like to set this fudge in the freezer to make it quicker! Once you add the fudge to your pan it will need just 30 minutes in the freezer to set .

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars - NO BAKE Recipe! (2024)

Make these soft, chocolatey, and ultra fudgy NO BAKE chocolate oatmeal fudge bars!

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars - NO BAKE Recipe! (1)

Just one chocolate bite, and people fall instantly in love with the recipe!

When I first posted the bars on Instagram, it quickly received over 10,000 likes and hundreds of comments. I couldn’t reply fast enough.

And the chocolate oatmeal fudge bars have only gotten more popular since!

Also try these Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Above – watch the step by step chocolate oatmeal bar recipe video

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars - NO BAKE Recipe! (3)

Classic chocolate oatmeal fudge bars

Oatmeal fudge bars have been a favorite potluck recipefor generations.

However, just because they contain oatmeal does not make the standard version of these treats a healthy choice.

Many classic oatmeal fudge bar recipes, including copycat recipes you can find online for the famous Starbucks oatmeal fudge bars, contain a shocking amount of butter and sugar even by traditional dessert standards.

Think one and a half cups of butter, two cups of flour, and an entire two cups of sugar,not to mentionall the sugar from two cups chocolate chips and a can of sweetened condensed milk.

If any recipe were screaming for a healthy dessert makeover, the traditional chocolate oatmeal fudge bar would be it.

With so many facetsofthe original oatmeal fudge bar recipe needing an update, Iopted to start completely from scratch.

These lightened up oatmeal snack bars can be dairy free, flourless,gluten free, and vegan. And they are just as deliciously chocolatey as the originals.

For a breakfast version, make Baked Oatmeal Bars

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars - NO BAKE Recipe! (4)

Chocolate oat fudge bar ingredients

If you’ve never had an oatmeal fudge bar before, imagine eating a homemade oatmeal cookie sandwich with a layer of smooth chocolate fudge in the middle.

That’s pretty much what this recipe tastes like.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the BEST part.

Instead of using any oil in the recipe, I made the bars even more delicious and healthy by adding peanut butter.

Chocolate oatmeal fudge bar serving ideas

Serve them for an after school snack or a weekday dessert.

The oatmeal bars are also an incredibly popular game day snack. Set out a tray at your next football playoff or Super Bowl party and watch the entire tray disappear.

Store leftovers in a covered container. They are fine to leave out on the counter for a day or two in a cool, dry place. For optimal freshness, I recommend refrigerating leftover healthy snack bars for up to a week.

Or freeze leftover oatmeal chocolate bars in an airtight covered container, with parchment or wax paper in between each layer of bars, for up to two months.

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars - NO BAKE Recipe! (6)

How to make chocolate oatmeal bars

Line an eight inch square pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set this pan aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir the liquid sweetener (pure maple syrup, honey, or agave) with the water, vanilla extract, and a third cup of the peanut butter until smooth.

Stir in the rolled oats and the salt. Transfer about two thirds of this mixture to the prepared pan. Place a second sheet of parchment over top to press the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan as hard as you can.

Remove the second sheet of parchment paper.

In a new bowl, very carefully melt the chocolate chips. (If you are unsure how to melt chocolate, see my Chocolate Covered Strawberries post.)

Stir in the remaining half cup of nut butter until smooth. Pour this thick chocolate fudge mixture over the oatmeal crust in the baking pan.

Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat crumbles on top of the chocolate layer, and press down firmly with a fork or spoon.

Refrigerate or freeze the bars until firm enough to cut into squares.

Also make the popular Black Bean Brownies

Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars - NO BAKE Recipe! (7)

Pin it now to save for later

Make these soft, chocolatey, and ultra fudgy no bake chocolate oatmeal fudge bars for a healthy dessert.

Leave a Review

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Yield 16 – 22 bars

5 from 140 votes

Ingredients

2 3/4 cup quick oats, or here’s a keto version
1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup peanut butter or allergy friendly sub
1 tbsp water
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 – 8 oz chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips
1/2 cup additional peanut butter or allergy friendly sub

Instructions

**The bars in the photos were made with the lower amount of chocolate chips, and the bars in the video were made with the higher amount. It's your choice!
Line an 8×8 pan with parchment or wax paper, and set aside. Stir together the maple syrup, 1/3 cup peanut butter, water, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the oats and salt. Transfer about 2/3 of the mixture to the pan, and press down very well, using a second sheet of parchment to press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. In a separate bowl, carefully melt the chocolate and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Stir until smooth. Pour this evenly on top of the crust in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumbles on top of the chocolate layer, then press down. Refrigerate or freeze until firm enough to cut squares.
View Nutrition Facts

Notes

Leftover oats? Make these Banana Oatmeal Cookies.

Have you made this recipe?

Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram

Popular Game Day Recipes

Brownie Batter Dip

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip

Vegan Brownies

Keto Cookies

Pumpkin Dip

More About The Cookbook