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Treat yourself to the most delicious Oatmeal Fudge Bars made with healthier ingredients like coconut oil, almond flour, and maple syrup!
The most delicious copycat Starbucks recipe
Let’s be real. Starbucks is great for more than just coffee โ they have some seriously delicious treats. Particularly, their oatmeal fudge bars! Those chewy but crumbly bars are to die for, and after having my fair share I decided it was time to recreate them using my favorite healthy baking staples.
After playing around with ingredients I was able to create fudgy oatmeal bars that rival the original version. They’re made complete with a delicious, creamy chocolate middle layer and a perfectly crumbly top.
So if you’re a fan of Starbucks’s oatmeal bars, you have to make these. Like, right now.
Ingredients in copycat Starbucks oatmeal fudge bars
Fudge bars are made in three layers, but two parts. The chocolatey later is sandwiched between a top and bottom dough made with almond flour, rolled oats, and maple syrup!
Bar Base + Topping
- Almond flour: Start with 2 cups of almond flour. This will create a perfectly sturdy-meets-crumbly texture that works as the outer layers for the bars.
- Rolled oats: Next, 1 cup of rolled oats adds density and protein to the treats.
- Salt: Add flavor by including 1/4 tsp of salt.
- Almond butter: Use 1/2 cup of almond butter to get the perfect texture (and flavor!).
- Coconut oil: 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil will help all of the dry ingredients bind together.
- Maple syrup: Sweeten things up with all-natural flavor by using 1/3 cup of maple syrup.
- Vanilla: Last but not least, complete the base and topping with 1 tsp of vanilla!
Fudge
- Chocolate chips: The fudgy middle layer starts with 2 cups of chocolate chips.
- Coconut milk: Then, you’ll need 1 can of coconut milk! Only use the hard white part at the top of the can. If the can doesn’t have the hard white part on top, refrigerate the whole can for at least 4 hours to harden it up.
Tools needed to make this recipe
To make these oat fudge bars, you will need the following kitchen tools.
- 8×8 pan
- Parchment paper
- Nonstick spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Glass bowl
- Sauce pot
For measuring, you will need the following sized cups: 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make healthy oatmeal fudge bars
This oatmeal fudge bar recipe is made in two parts. We’ll start by creating what will be the base and top layers before melting chocolate and coconut milk for the middle!
To begin, preheat the oven to 350ยฐF and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and nonstick spray.
Then, combine the almond flour, oats, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until fully combined.
Next, press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the baking dish.
Create a double boiler by setting the stove to medium-high and then resting a glass bowl on top of a saucepot filled with boiling water.
Pour the chocolate chips and coconut milk into the glass bowl. Stir often until the chocolate chips are completely melted. This could take up to 10 minutes.
Then, pour the melted chocolate on top of the oat base.
Crumble the remaining 1/3 of the oat crumble dough onto the top of the chocolate.
Finally, bake for 30 minutes or until the top layer becomes golden brown. Let cool for 30 minutes, and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
How these oatmeal fudge bars are healthier
To make these bars healthier than what you’ll find elsewhere, I made a few key ingredient swaps. These are small changes that together make a big difference!
Almond flour
First, I substituted regular all-purpose flour with almond flour. This creates a much more nutrient-dense base and cuts out extra preservatives and chemicals.
Almond butter
Next, I used almond butter. Though similar to peanut butter nutritionally, almond butter does come out slightly on top! Plus, the flavor can’t be beaten!
Coconut oil
I skipped vegetable and canola oil and instead used coconut oil. This is a much better option as it’s more natural and less processed.
Maple syrup
Finally, I skipped processed white sugar! Instead, these bars are sweetened with all-natural maple syrup. It provides just as much sweet flavor while also tasting delicious.
Storing leftovers
These copycat Starbucks oat fudge bars can be both refrigerated and frozen.
If you plan to enjoy the bars soon, keep them in the refrigerator. An airtight container will help to lock in freshness and keep the bars nice and delicious! Enjoy within 2-3 days.
For enjoying later, place the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag, and then freeze. Enjoy within 3 months.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
I love creating my favorite store-bought treats at home. Here are some of my favorite copycat recipes, including the classic Panera Bread kitchen sink cookie!
Photos by Moriah Sawtelle and recipe by Erin Antoniak.
Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal Fudge Bars Healthy
Treat yourself to the most delicious Oatmeal Fudge Bars made with healthier ingredients like coconut oil, almond flour, and maple syrup!
Ingredients
Bar Base + Topping:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
Fudge:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 can coconut milk, just the hard white part at the top! (refrigerate your can of coconut milk for at least 4 hours if you don’t have the hard white part)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line 8×8 pan with parchment paper and nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, oats, and salt.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients to dry, stir until fully combined.
- Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Using a double boiler (sauce pot boiling with water with a glass bowl resting on top over medium-high heat), place chocolate chips and coconut milk in glass bowl. Stir often until chocolate chips are completely melted, this could take up to 10 minutes.
- Pour melted chocolate on top of oat base. Crumble the remaining 1/3 of the oat crumble onto the top of the chocolate.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Let cool 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
- Store in fridge!
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Tori says
These were so good! I like to always have a vegan friendly treat for a family member when we have them over, so I always come to ELW for a good vegan treat! It’s always fun when everyone else loves them too!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tori, so glad you loved them! ๐
Meri says
These turned out awesome and taste just like Starbucks.. definitely will be making again soon! The perfect healthier snack/dessert
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meri, so glad you loved them!!
Justina says
One of my new favorite recipes! Itโs very easy to make and so filling. My daughter and wife loved it!! Thank you, Erin. Your recipes are always delicious & make my week a little easier.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Justina, so happy you loved them! ๐
Paige says
This is such a delicious dessert! Followed the directions as is and they turned out perfect!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Paige, so happy you loved them!! ๐
Lauren A says
Love this one, super easy and SO good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so glad you enjoyed them!
Amy says
These bars were so good and super easy to make. We had a house guest who was vegan and I made these bars and we all loved them. I have never had the Starbucks version but I can imagine these are even better.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amy, so happy you loved the muffins and made them your own! Thanks for sharing! ๐
Katie says
These bars are delicious without being overly sweet. I love the combination of the crumbly base/topping & fudgy middle!
★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, so happy you loved them!! ๐
Mariana says
Hi!!! If using another milk for the fudge, how much should we use ?
Erin says
Hi Mariana, I’d use about 1/2 cup. Let me know how they come out!!
Becca says
Iโve never had the Starbucks ones, but these are fantastic! Another easy and delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Becca, so glad you loved them!! ๐
Jessie says
is microwaving the chocolate ok ?
Erin says
Hi Jessie, yes! Just be careful that it doesn’t burn.
Aryana says
Hi are there any substitutes you recommend for coconut milk?
Erin says
Hi Aryanna, yep you can use whatever milk you prefer! Let me know how your bars come out!
Mariana Bush Rodriguez says
Hi! How much of other milk should use?
Kimberly says
I just want to say shame on Starbucks, this bar is not their own. This oatmeal fudge bar was famous at a small restaurant in Bennington Vermont called All Days and Onions like 20 plus years ago. I use to get one for dessert with my grandmother on our lunch dates as a child. No one and sure as hell not Starbucks could ever duplicate this recipe like the original recipe holder. They were the best and itโs a shame nothing will ever taste as good as the original or even look half as good for that matter. Believe me Iโve tried to make them. Iโve tried several different recipes. But nothing compares. I will give this a try and see if this has the magic touch. Iโm sorry I just get upset that Starbucks takes all the credit for this bar when it should be a restaurant out of VT.
Erin says
Hi Kimberly, thanks for the info! I didn’t know that. Let me know how they come out for you.
Ellie says
I havenโt had the Starbucks version to compare to, but my husband and I loved these. I made them exactly according to the recipe. Only took me about 20 minutes to make and I love that these are all pantry staples we have on hand. They store great in the fridge and are better on the 2nd or 3rd day (if they last that long!) Next time I make them Iโll press the top layer into the chocolate a little before baking so they donโt crumble as much when I cut them.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ellie, so happy you both loved them so much! Thank you for sharing!! ๐
Sherri says
Sounds wonderful. Can we substitute butter for the coconut oil and milk?
Erin says
Hi Sherri, yes that’ll work! Let me know how your bars come out!
Amelia says
So good!! As with all your recipes that Iโve tried, this didnโt disappoint. The fudge is amazing and it was super easy. Thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amelia, so glad you loved them! Thanks for sharing and for your support!! ๐
Stephanie says
I’ve never had the Starbs ones, but this was a DELICIOUS easy to make treat with staple ingredients I already had on hand. I added a little cinnamon to the crumble because cinnamon makes everything extra delicious. Love them!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stephanie, so happy you loved them and great addition!!
Lisa says
I havenโt tried these from SB yet, but these are AMAZING! The fudgey center is soooo good, and very easy to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lisa, so glad you loved them!!
Stacie says
Beyond spectacular!! I love that itโs vegan too! Itโs so decadent and textured and the perfect dessert.
I subbed tahini for almond butter (itโs what I had) and ran out of almond flour after 1.5 cups, so supplemented with AP flour for the difference in the dough. Both mods worked well!
Warmed up a piece in the air fryer tonight and devoured it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stacie, so happy you loved them and made them your own!!
Sara says
Knew I had to make these the second you posted themโฆ so easy and DELICIOUS!! Iโm not as fancy with the boiling method of the chocolate and the bars still turned out yummy. Highly recommend!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sara, so happy you loved them! ๐
Stephanie K says
These look amazing! Unfortunately thanks to covid, I can no longer enjoy nut butters of any kind. I know, it’s very tragic. They smell & taste extremely funky & disgusting to me.
Any suggestions on how to make these without a nut butter?
Erin says
Hi Stephanie, thanks and you could try sunflower butter or cookie butter. Let me know how they come out!
Lisa says
Excited to try this! Thoughts on using coconut flour versus almond flour?
Erin says
Hi Lisa, yay and that is definitely not a good sub. Coconut flour is far more absorbent and very dry! The other measurements would also need to be changed… I would suggest using almond flour if you can and making the recipe to a t. Let me know how your bars come out!
Lisa says
Haha this is the last time Iโll be lazy and try to use what I have in the house! Yeah, it didnโt come out well. Iโll try again with the almond flour!
Erin says
Hi Lisa, all good. It happens! Hope they come out better next time with almond flour!!