Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars (No Bake)
Today we are making Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars (No Bake)! These delicious bars are a no bake recipe, with three layers – a buttery oatmeal crust, a thick layer of chocolate filling and the same oat layer in the base used in the top layer, kind of forming a fudge sandwich in between a chewy oatmeal cookie! It’s just the perfect amount of sweet, separated by the nuttiness of the oats in between the bites of the sugary chocolate layer.
So if you’re looking for your next holiday baking recipe, then this is it! You don’t need to pull out any fancy equipment or do any sort of magic in the kitchen if you’re just looking for something simple, and it only takes about 20 minutes to put together. Then all you have to do is allow it to set in the freezer!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Decadent and No Bake: These no bake dessert bars taste so rich and decadent, with the buttery oat crumble and base, and rich chocolate filling, that your sweet tooth will be hooked! But you wouldn’t guess that this delicious treat is a pretty simple recipe to make, and doesn’t require a lot of time (aside from waiting for it to set in the freezer). It’s one of my top go-to recipes during the holidays, especially when I want to do some Christmas baking but don’t want to make a mess in the kitchen. Or if I want something quick but delicious for a holiday potluck or gathering!
Substitutions
Oats: This recipe uses rolled oats. You can try to substitute with quick oats. Note that the texture will not be the same as the large-flaked rolled oats. For those with a gluten sensitivity, use certified gluten free oats. Do not use oat flour as a substitute.
Vegan Butter: Do not substitute this ingredient. It adds the buttery touch that the oatmeal layer requires! Melt Organics makes delicious salted vegan butter sticks. Note that this is not referring to a margarine-type spread. Personally, I use these butter sticks linked above in replacement of all the dairy butter in every recipe.
Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup, with only one ingredient on the label. You can also substitute another liquid sweetener, like agave nectar.
Vanilla Extract: Choose a high-quality vanilla extract, without additional caramel color or dyes. You can also use pure vanilla flavor, which is non-alcoholic so can’t have the “extract” label.
Coconut Milk: Choose full-fat, canned coconut milk. Not low-fat and not carton, as the taste and texture varies due to the different fat content. Having the full-fat milk makes for the fudgiest chocolate filling!
However, if you want to make it low-fat and not as rich, feel free to use a lower-fat milk like oat milk, or the “lite” (lower fat) version of canned coconut milk.
Chocolate Chips: Use vegan semisweet chocolate chips for best results. You can use dark chocolate chips if you would like a recipe that isn’t as high in sugar. However, it won’t taste as good due to the filling being more bitter. Additionally, when choosing chocolate, check the label to make sure there are no dairy products added (like milk powder) so it is vegan.
Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars Recipe Notes
- Mix in a little bit of chopped walnuts, pecans or coconut flakes into the chocolate filling for an elevated and fancier fudgy inside!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Cranberry Orange Icebox Shortbread
If you make these No Bake Oatmeal Fudge Bars, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Fudge Bars (No Bake)
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking tray
- Small stovetop pot
- Microwave optional
Ingredients
For the Base & Topping
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter melted
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups dry rolled oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- few pinches pink salt
For the Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup full-fat, canned coconut milk
- coconut flakes, walnut or pecan pieces optional add-ins
Instructions
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, with the wrapping paper removed, in 20-second intervals until fully melted.
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients for the oat crumble, including the butter, until it comes together.
- Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press down half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the pan, using a flat spatula to help press it down tightly. Place in the freezer.
- In a small pot over medium-low heat on the stove, melt chocolate chips by adding in the filling ingredients.
- Constantly stir until melted. Then remove the bars from the freezer and pour the melted chocolate evenly over top, using a rubber spatula to smooth it out.
- Take the remaining oat mixture and sprinkle it in an even layer over top of the chocolate filling, gently pressing it down.
- Place the baking dish in the freezer for around 6 hours, until fully set.
- Once ready, use a pizza cutter to cut into 9 servings. Enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
