Oatmeal Fudge Bars {With Gluten Free Instructions}

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats (I used certified GF)
• 1¼ cups light brown sugar, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided (For GF use Pamela's Baking Mix or GF flour blend)
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt + ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Combine the oats, 1 cup of the brown sugar, ¾ cup of the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and the pinch of salt. Stir together in a bowl to combine. Melt 8 tablespoons of the butter and stir into the oat mixture until combined. Reserve ¾ cup of the mixture for the topping.
4. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the bottom of the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake until light golden brown, about 12 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
5. Combine the remaining ¼ cup of flour, the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar, the instant espresso powder, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a small bowl and set aside.
6. Melt the chocolate chips and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large bowl, microwaving at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. Let cool slightly. Add the egg and whisk until combined. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Pour the chocolate filling over the cooled crust and sprinkle with the remaining oatmeal mixture. Bake until a toothpick inserted in to the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes