oatmeal fudge bars (gluten free & vegan)
Healthy Gluten-Free & Vegan Oatmeal Fudge Bars
There’s nothing quite like indulging in a rich, fudgy dessert that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty afterward. If you’re looking for something that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, these Healthy Oatmeal Fudge Bars are about to become your new favorite treat! With a chewy oatmeal crumble and a decadent chocolate fudge center, this recipe will satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings while keeping things wholesome and vegan-friendly.
What I love about these bars is that they feel so indulgent, yet they’re made with simple, nourishing ingredients that are naturally gluten-free and vegan. The oatmeal crumble gives you a satisfying bite, while the fudge center is luxuriously smooth and rich, thanks to the coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to share with friends or a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth during the week, these oatmeal fudge bars are a go-to for all occasions. Plus, they’re super easy to make, require minimal prep time, and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for whenever those cravings hit!
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Oatmeal Fudge Bars:
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Made without any animal products or gluten, they’re a perfect treat for those with dietary restrictions or for anyone who wants to enjoy a healthier dessert. • Fudgy Chocolate Center: The chocolate fudge layer in these bars is incredibly rich, creamy, and smooth, giving you that perfect indulgence with every bite. • Wholesome Ingredients: With oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and maple syrup as the base ingredients, you can feel good about what’s in these bars. • Quick & Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep, and because it’s a simple, no-fuss bake, it’s perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers. • Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for meal prep or for a grab-and-go snack whenever you need it.
The Ingredients That Make These Bars So Special
What makes these bars so satisfying and delicious is the combination of wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance between chewy oats and velvety fudge:
• Gluten-Free Oats: Oats are the backbone of the crumble layer, adding chewiness and a bit of texture to the bars. Be sure to use gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive to gluten. • Almond Flour: Almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness and richness to the base without making it too dense. It’s also a great grain-free alternative to traditional flour. • Coconut Sugar & Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener duo brings the perfect level of sweetness to the bars while keeping them refined sugar-free. Coconut sugar has a slight caramel flavor, while maple syrup adds moisture to the crumble. • Refined Coconut Oil: Coconut oil acts as the binding agent for the base and helps it firm up when baked. The refined version doesn’t have the strong coconut flavor, so it’s perfect for this recipe. • Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips & Coconut Milk: The combination of dairy-free chocolate chips and full-fat coconut milk creates the dreamiest, most decadent fudge layer. The coconut milk makes the fudge rich and creamy, while the chocolate chips bring all the flavor.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Crumble Layer:
- 1.5 cups gluten-free quick cooking oats
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4-1/3 cup coconut sugar, depending on desired sweetness
- 1/3 cup softened refined coconut oil, or non-hydrogenated palm oil shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Fudge Center:
- 2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
Make the Oatmeal Crumble Layer:
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, almond flour, baking powder, coconut sugar, and salt. Add the softened coconut oil and maple syrup, mixing well until a crumbly dough forms. It should hold together when pressed but still be a bit crumbly.
- Tip: If your mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil or maple syrup to help bind it. Reserve about 1/2 cup of this mixture to use as a crumble topping.
Press the Base Layer:
- Press the remaining oatmeal crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating a firm, even layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Center:
- In a small saucepan, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. The mixture should be glossy and rich. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before pouring.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the melted chocolate fudge over the oatmeal base layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of oatmeal crumble mixture over the top of the fudge layer.
Bake the Bars:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the crumble on top is golden brown and the fudge layer has set.
Cool and Chill:
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then transfer the pan to the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the fudge to firm up completely.
Slice & Serve:
- Once the bars have fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice them into 16 squares. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
