Dairy, Egg and Nut Free Oatmeal Fudge Bars

I am so excited to post this recipe; it has quickly become one of our favorite bar cookies, OK, MY favorite! A traditional Oatmeal Fudge Bar recipe has lots of butter, eggs and sometimes milk in it. My version has none of that, but it tastes like it should. It’s rich, fudgy, chewy and full of oats and chocolate.

As many of you know, I love recipes that my kids can make by themselves in the kitchen with just a little help from me. I’m all about tactile activities, and this one is perfect to do with kids of all ages. You don’t even really need a mixer to stir the oatmeal mixture. Simply stir together using the back of a wooden spoon. Use your fingers to press the dough into the prepared glass dish, and spread the fudge layer with your hands too if you wish. This dish signifies everything I love about baking in the kitchen with my kids because it is literally a hands on project that yields deliciously kid friendly results.

As a side note, I have to apologize for not posting as often lately. Between baby Michael’s crazy schedule and all my other kids schedules things have been super nutty (no pun intended!). It seems that every time I get online I have to get off for one reason or another. But I want you to know HOW MUCH I appreciate all your super sweet, thoughtful and touching comments. Many times I have been moved to tears through your kindness and support. I LOVE hearing how much you and your families are enjoying the recipes…it means a lot to me. I get great joy out of creating new delicious recipes that you can bake in the kitchen with your kids and for your kids. Our food allergic kiddos deserve the world, and it is awesome that they are enjoying all these childhood favorite treats. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And now that I think Michael is finally turning a corner and becoming less fussy I hope to post more like my usual schedule. Update on Michael; he has terrible, and I mean terrible, eczema. In fact, looking at him I am reminded of those early months when John was a baby. The dry, scaly head and face, excessive scratching and peeling. It’s terrible. We’re going to the doctor tomorrow. But I am convinced he has some sort of allergy too, just like John, There are so many similarities. I’ll keep you posted on that.

In the meantime Happy Baking Everyone!!

DAIRY, EGG AND NUT FREE OATMEAL FUDGE BARS

OATMEAL LAYER

• 1/2 c. dairy free shortening
• 1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 c. unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 c. old fashioned or quick cooking oats (I prefer old fashioned but use whatever you have)
• FUDGE LAYER
• 1/2 c. unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 c. granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 dairy free chocolate chips (Enjoy Life or Divvies)
• 4 T. dairy free margarine (I use Fleischmans)
• 1 T. water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8 inch glass Pyrex baking dish with dairy free baking spray. Set aside.

In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a medium bowl with a wooden spoon) combine the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and vanilla and thoroughly combine. In a small separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk. Add to shortening mixture and stir well. Stir in oats. Reserve 1 cup of oatmeal mixture for topping. Spread the rest into the prepared glass dish using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Set aside.

Make Fudge Layer: In a microwave safe bowl combine the chocolate chips and dairy free margarine. Heat in the microwave 20 seconds at a time until the chips are just melted. Add 1 T. water and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. In a small bowl combine the 1/2 c. flour and 1/4 c. sugar with a wire whisk. Add the chocolate mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Spread the fudge layer over the oatmeal layer. Sprinkle top with the reserved oatmeal mixture and spread with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into squares.