May 03, 2011

Shameless Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.  It’s good advice and I should remember to apply it to all areas of my life, not just baking, but for the time being, let’s focus on the baking.  A while back a co-worker insisted that I try Starbucks Oatmeal Fudge Bars.  She claimed that they were addictively good and that I was missing out by never having tried one.  One afternoon, after a few weeks of reminders, I was feeling the need for a sugar fix and ventured out to my closest Starbucks, (it’s like you can’t go a block anymore without tripping over a Starbucks) to pick up an Oatmeal Fudge Bar.  Turns out they aren’t half bad!  In fact, they’re kinda good…  Almost addictively good… 

A couple days later I felt a sugar craving coming on again and started itching to return to Starbucks.  Damnit!  They had me hooked, but I refused to be fooled twice.  I knew I could make their overpriced bars myself and serve them in reasonable portion sizes that coffee shops seem oblivious to, (since when did muffins become the size of soccer balls?).  A quick internet search proved that I wasn’t the only person looking to make these bars at home and I turned up a number of results for copycat recipes.  I then made my own Oatmeal Fudge Bars and brought them into work to share with my co-workers.  The result?  Homemade bars beat Starbucks bars, hands down.  And I was left feeling victorious, if only in one small area of my life.  Starbucks won’t fool me twice.


Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal Fudge Bars
(Makes 36 bars)

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons real vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1 14-ounce can (1-1/4 cups) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Set aside 2 tablespoons of the butter. Beat the remaining butter with mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and beat until well mixed. Beat in eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. In another large bowl stir together flour and baking soda then stir in oats. Gradually stir dry mixture into beaten mixture. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine the 2 tablespoons butter, the sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate . Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Press three quarters of the oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 15×10x1inch baking pan (or something close to it). Spread chocolate mixture over the oat mixture. Use your fingers and dot the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate. Tip: Wet your fingers slightly to help prevent sticking.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned (chocolate mixture will still look moist). Cool on a wire rack. Cut into 2×2 inch inch bars.

14 comments:

Kelly-Jane said...

I really want to try this. Have brownies in the oven atm, but I'm printing off this one!

Maria said...

I love these bars!

Erin said...

Just found your blog! I love these bars! My mom used to make them as a kid, but she puts nuts in them as well. Haven't had them in years! Will have to print and make soon. Thanks!

Maria said...

these bars looks like a perfect treat for my kiddos. they will surelly love that.

Anonymous said...

Do you think I could make them with old-fashioned oats? They're not the quick-cooking kind, but aren't like steel cut or anything....these sound delicious!

minttea said...

These remind me of a confection called revel bars, except without the pecans!

Scott at Real Epicurean said...

Love stopping off at Starbucks for a cafe latte (it's my guilty pleasure) but always found their cakes a little too...bland? These, however, I'm sure are delicious.

Katie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katie said...

I'm baking these oatmeal fudge bars right now. Since I live in Argentina - with the nearest Starbucks 250 miles away in Buenos Aires - I don't exactly pop in for a latte and a muffin like I used to. ;) I added a layer of dulce de leche underneath the chocolate. Hey, when in Rome...

Thanks for the recipe!

Brilynn said...

Anonymous- I used old fashioned oats for mine because that's what I had on hand and they turned out great!

Katie- dulce de leche sounds like a perfect and decadent addition to these bars. I'll have to make them again...

Suzie Petunia said...

YUM! I found your blog through pinterest. These looked so good... I have a batch in the oven right now. I can't wait to try them! Thanks for posting!

Maggie said...

These look far more appetizing than any of the sweet bars from Starbucks. You have put them to shame.

Anonymous said...

What do I need to do to print this receipe?? Thanks, Scootershouse@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I made these twice last year and they were so easy and delicious. I am making them this year for Christmas gifts. Thanks again!