Peanut Butter 'N Fudge Filled Bars

Three layers make these bars irresistible. A chewy oat and peanut butter cookie base, a thick fudge filling made from melted chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk with chopped peanuts, and a crumbly oat topping dropped over everything before baking.

The fudge layer is cooked on the stovetop before spreading. Melting the chocolate with condensed milk and peanut butter creates a smooth, thick filling that stays gooey in the center even after baking. Stir constantly over low heat because chocolate scorches fast against condensed milk.

Dropping the reserved oat topping by teaspoonfuls (instead of spreading it) is intentional. It creates a rustic, craggy surface with pockets where the fudge peeks through and firms up into chewy chocolate craters.

Kitchen Tips

• Reserve that full cup of oat mixture before pressing the base into the pan. It’s easy to forget and press everything down.
• Cool completely before cutting. The fudge layer needs to set or the bars collapse into a chocolatey mess when you slice them.
• Low heat is critical for the fudge filling. Scorched chocolate turns grainy and bitter.
• Line the pan with parchment for easier removal and cleaner cuts.

Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense fudge layer.
• Swap peanuts for pretzels in the fudge for a sweet-salty crunch.
• Drizzle melted peanut butter over the cooled bars for extra visual appeal.