Fudge Jumbles

I don’t make a whole lot of bars, which is funny, because one my favorite desserts from childhood is a bar!  My mom handed down this recipe when I got married (6 ½ year ago) and I’ve never made them!

I think part of the reason was because it makes such a massive batch.  The huge batch makes these perfect to bring to a potluck or party, but tough to just have around the house! 

Since I really did want to make one of my favorite desserts, I added these to my 30x30 list.  Since I didn’t have any parties or potlucks to attend, I cut the whole batch and froze about 2/3 of them.  Now I can just sneak to the freezer and get a treat whenever I’d like!

Fudge Jumbles

Recipe from my Mom, who got it from my Grandma

Crust

1 cup vegetable shortening

2 cups brown sugar, packed

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

2 ½ cups flour

3 cups old fashioned oatmeal

Fudge Topping

1 (12 oz) package semi sweet chocolate chips

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.  Stir in the vanilla.

Turn the mixer to low.  Slowly add in the baking soda, flour, and oats.

Once mixed, use your hands to press about ¾ of the crust mixture evenly into a 12x18 inch rimmed pan.

In the microwave, melt together the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.  Once melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla.  Pour the chocolate mixture on top of the crust and spread the chocolate evenly to coat the crust.  Take the remaining crust mixture, a few tablespoons at a time, flatten it between your hands and press it on top of the chocolate mixture.

Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Cool the bars completely before slicing into squares.