Indulge in Homemade Perfection: The Ultimate Recipe for Classic Revel Bars (Fudge Jumbles)

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you combine the wholesome goodness of an oatmeal cookie with the rich, creamy decadence of fudge. That magic, dear bakers, is found in every bite of a Revel Bar, also lovingly known as Fudge Jumbles. These delightful layered treats hold a cherished spot in many hearts, often evoking fond memories of childhood bake sales, family gatherings, or simply a comforting snack on a cozy afternoon.

Recently, when faced with the familiar scramble for a last-minute bake sale item, my mind instantly drifted to these irresistible oatmeal fudge bars. Their tempting, layered appearance, coupled with their ease of cutting and wrapping, makes them an absolute winner for any event. But beyond their practical appeal, it’s their truly exceptional taste that truly sets them apart. They offer the perfect harmony of textures and flavors – the chewiness of an oatmeal cookie crust meeting a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth fudge filling. Truly, you get the best of both worlds with these classic Revel Bars!

The Sweet History of Revel Bars and Fudge Jumbles

While the precise origins of Revel Bars and Fudge Jumbles are somewhat shrouded in the sweet mists of time, these delightful bars gained significant popularity in American home kitchens during the mid-20th century. Often featured prominently in community cookbooks, church bake sale brochures, and popular magazine recipe sections, they quickly became a household staple. Their comforting nature, satisfying layers, and relative ease of preparation made them a go-to dessert for everyday treats and special occasions alike. The name “Revel Bars” itself suggests a joyous indulgence, a treat to be savored and celebrated, while “Fudge Jumbles” aptly describes the delightful, harmonious mix of chewy oats and decadent chocolate fudge. This recipe, a timeless classic, continues to bring smiles and sweet satisfaction to countless dessert lovers.

Mastering My Favorite Revel Bars Recipe: Tips for Success

Over the years, many variations of Revel Bars and Fudge Jumbles have emerged, each with its unique twist and dedicated followers. However, the recipe I consistently turn to, and one that has never failed to deliver perfectly tender and fudgy results, calls for a specific and well-balanced set of ingredients: approximately 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 3 cups of robust quick-cooking oats, a full cup of rich unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs. This particular combination creates an ideal foundation for both the chewy base and the crumbly topping, ensuring that neither the oat layers nor the sumptuous fudge filling overpowers the other.

The true secret to achieving the ideal texture and consistency with this version of Revel Bars lies in two crucial baking fundamentals: precise flour measurement and, perhaps even more importantly, avoiding the common pitfall of over-baking. Flour, especially all-purpose varieties, can vary significantly in density depending on how it’s stored, its moisture content, and how vigorously it’s packed into a measuring cup. To eliminate the risk of accidentally adding too much flour, which can lead to dry, dense, and disappointingly crumbly bars, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale. Weighing your flour to a range of 10.5 to 11 ounces (approximately 290 grams) consistently yields the perfect, tender oat crust and topping. If a scale isn’t available, remember the ‘fluff, spoon, and level’ method: gently stir and aerate your flour with a whisk before lightly spooning it into your measuring cup, then level off the excess with a straight edge. This technique helps prevent compaction and ensures a lighter, more delicate texture.

Equally vital is careful attention to baking time. Revel Bars are designed to feature a gloriously soft, slightly gooey fudge center and a tender, golden-brown oat crust. Over-baking can transform these wonderfully moist bars into a dry, hard, and less enjoyable dessert. We’ll outline the precise baking window in the instructions below, but as a general rule, it’s often better for the fudge to appear a little under-set when removed from the oven. This is because the residual heat will continue to cook the bars, and the fudge will firm up beautifully to its perfect creamy consistency as the bars cool. Trust the process, and soon you’ll be enjoying the finest Revel Bars!

Customizing Your Fudge Jumbles: Yield and Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

One of the most appealing characteristics of this Revel Bars recipe is its impressive yield and incredible adaptability for various serving needs. This particular recipe is thoughtfully designed to produce a substantial batch of bars, making it an excellent choice for larger gatherings, events, or simply ensuring you have plenty of delightful treats on hand for the week.

For instance, if you’re preparing these delicious oatmeal fudge bars for a bake sale, you have the flexibility to cut them into generously sized, more substantial portions. Even with larger cuts, a single batch will comfortably yield at least 24 impressive bars. These larger slices offer great value and present beautifully as a satisfying, hearty treat that customers will adore.

Conversely, if your baking endeavors are geared towards a party, a potluck, or simply for elegant home enjoyment, you can effortlessly transform the large slab into smaller, more refined squares. By opting for a more petite cut, you could easily get up to 60 individual, bite-sized pieces. These smaller squares are perfect for a diverse dessert platter, allowing guests to sample various treats, or for those who prefer a modest yet equally indulgent taste of this rich dessert. The intense flavor of the fudge and the satisfying texture of the oatmeal mean that even a small piece delivers a big impact!

Should your craving for Revel Bars strike but you don’t require such a large quantity, rest assured that this recipe is remarkably simple to halve. For a smaller batch, simply divide all the ingredient amounts by two and bake in a standard 9-inch square pan. This easy adjustment offers superb flexibility, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked Revel Bars without being overwhelmed by leftovers, all while maintaining the same exquisite quality and taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying a personal sweet tooth, these Fudge Jumbles adapt beautifully to your specific needs, guaranteeing the perfect amount of this beloved dessert every time.

Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Revel Bars Every Time

• **Precision in Flour Measurement:** As emphasized earlier, the most accurate method for measuring flour is by weight (10.5-11 oz or 290 grams). If using measuring cups, gently spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid compacting it and adding too much.
• **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, less tender oat crust and topping.
• **Evenly Pressed Crust is Crucial:** Take your time to press the base layer of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan. A uniform thickness ensures consistent baking, preventing some parts from being undercooked or overcooked.
• **Chill the Reserved Crumb Topping:** Refrigerating the portion of oat mixture reserved for the topping is a game-changer. It makes the dough firmer and less sticky, allowing you to easily crumble it evenly over the warm fudge filling without it clumping or sticking to your fingers.
• **Trust the Soft Fudge:** When you pull the Revel Bars from the oven, the fudge filling will likely still appear very soft and perhaps even a bit liquidy in the center. Do not be alarmed! This is exactly how it should look. The fudge will continue to set and firm up to a wonderfully creamy consistency as the bars cool down completely.
• **Patience for Perfect Slices:** This is perhaps the most challenging tip for eager bakers! Allowing the bars to cool completely at room temperature is essential for the fudge to fully set. For even cleaner, neater slices, consider chilling the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cutting. This firms up the fudge making it easier to cut clean lines.

Optimal Storage and Freezing Instructions for Your Revel Bars

Revel Bars are not only delicious but also remarkably convenient for make-ahead baking and extended enjoyment. Once your bars have completely cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh and chewy at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For an even longer shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they will maintain their quality for up to a week. If you plan to keep them longer or want to have a stash of homemade treats readily available, Revel Bars freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, cut the cooled bars into your desired serving sizes, then wrap each individual bar tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or, for a warm, comforting experience, gently heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

I find myself constantly fixated on Revel Bars and oatmeal bars, always on the lookout for new twists or ways to perfect this classic. Perhaps I’ll experiment with a few more variations in the future and share my findings with you. For now, enjoy this tried-and-true recipe that promises to be a consistent crowd-pleaser. And for a delightful, nostalgic trip down memory lane, be sure to check out this charming old commercial for Fudge Jumbles – it truly captures the enduring essence and beloved spirit of these iconic treats!

Explore More Delicious Cookie Madness!

If you’re as passionate about creating and enjoying incredible cookies and bars as I am, you’ll undoubtedly love exploring these other fantastic recipes from our expansive collection. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and a rewarding baking experience:

• Prize Winning Jumble Cookies from The Chicago Tribune – Discover another celebrated “jumble” cookie that’s renowned for its unique texture and delightful flavor, sure to impress anyone who tries it.
• Oatmeal Fudge Brownies – For those delightful moments when you simply can’t decide between a rich, chewy brownie and a comforting oatmeal cookie, these bars brilliantly combine the best characteristics of both worlds into one irresistible treat.
• Pistachio Jumbles with White Chocolate and Peppermint – A truly festive and unique twist on the “jumble” concept, these vibrant and flavorful cookies are absolutely perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a special touch.
• No Fail Five Minute Fudge – If you adore the creamy, rich fudge layer found in our Revel Bars, then you’ll absolutely love this incredibly quick and remarkably easy fudge recipe, which guarantees delicious results with minimal effort.
• Milk Chocolate Fudge – Another fantastic and straightforward fudge recipe, this one offers a milder, sweeter, and incredibly smooth milk chocolate experience, perfect for gifting or a delightful personal indulgence.

Recipe

Oatmeal Fudge Revel Bars

Anna

These delightful Oatmeal Fudge Revel Bars, also affectionately known as Fudge Jumbles, are a classic treat featuring a rich, chewy oatmeal crust and crumble embracing a creamy, decadent fudge filling. Unlike some variations, this particular recipe focuses on pure chocolatey goodness without the addition of peanut butter, allowing the fudge and oatmeal flavors to truly shine.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 32

Ingredients

 

For the Chewy Oat Crust & Crumble:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter (8 oz / 230 grams, softened to room temperature)
• 2 cups tightly packed light brown sugar (400 grams)
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature for best incorporation)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (well-stirred and aerated before measuring, ideally 10.5 oz / 290 grams by weight)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt (decrease to ½ teaspoon if using salted butter)
• 3 cups quick cooking oats (not instant or steel-cut)

For the Decadent Fudge Filling:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 392 grams)
• Tiny Pinch of salt (omit if using salted butter in the crust to avoid over-salting)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
• 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips (high-quality chips for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for superior taste)

Instructions

 

• **Prepare Your Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Next, prepare a 10×15 inch baking pan by lining it completely with nonstick foil. If you’re using standard aluminum foil, ensure you generously grease the foil surface to prevent any sticking later.
• **Cream Butter & Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, ideally using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and the tightly packed light brown sugar together. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and notably creamy – this typically takes several minutes. Then, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, mix in the pure vanilla extract, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to gather all ingredients uniformly.
• **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the measured all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry flour mixture to the wet batter in the large mixing bowl, stirring on low speed or gently by hand. Mix just until the flour is no longer visible and the ingredients are blended; take care not to overmix. As a final step for the crust, gently stir in the quick cooking oats until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
• **Form the Base Crust:** Take approximately two-thirds of the prepared oat mixture (this should be around 30 oz by weight) and distribute it in small dollops evenly across the bottom of your lined 10×15 inch baking pan. Dampen your fingertips or use a lightly floured rolling pin to gently and evenly press this mixture down to form a solid, uniform crust across the entire base of the pan. Place the remaining one-third of the oat mixture into the refrigerator; chilling it will make it much easier to crumble later for the topping.
• **Prepare the Fudge Filling:** In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, a tiny pinch of salt (remember to omit this if you used salted butter for your crust to prevent over-salting), and the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the condensed milk is very hot and the butter has completely melted and is fully incorporated. Once melted, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and add the semisweet chocolate chips. Allow them to sit undisturbed for a minute or two to soften slightly from the residual heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir continuously until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
• **Assemble the Layers:** Carefully pour the warm, smooth fudge filling evenly over the pressed oat crust in the baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the fudge to cover the entire surface, being careful not to disturb the crust layer underneath.
• **Add the Crumble Topping:** Retrieve the chilled, reserved oat mixture from the refrigerator. Using your fingertips, crumble this firmer mixture evenly over the top of the smooth fudge filling. Don’t worry about achieving perfect, uniform coverage; leaving small gaps and varying sizes of crumbles adds to the appealing rustic charm of classic Revel Bars.
• **Bake to Perfection:** Place the assembled pan of Revel Bars into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. In my oven, 25 minutes typically yields the perfect result. You’ll know they’re ready when the oat topping has turned a beautiful light golden brown, especially around the edges. It is absolutely crucial to remember that the fudge center will still appear very soft and unset when you remove the bars from the oven. This is completely normal and expected! The fudge will continue to firm up and set beautifully as the bars cool down.
• **Cool & Chill (Optional for Neatness):** Allow the baked Revel Bars to cool completely at room temperature in the pan. This step is vital for the fudge to properly set. For the cleanest, most precise, and neatest slices, once cooled, you may wish to transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to an hour before proceeding to cut them.
• **Slice and Serve:** Once thoroughly cooled (and chilled, if desired), carefully lift the entire slab of Revel Bars from the pan using the convenient foil edges. Transfer it to a large, clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the Revel Bars into your preferred serving sizes, whether they are generous large squares for a hearty treat or smaller, elegant squares perfect for a party platter. Arrange and enjoy these irresistible homemade delights!

Notes

**Flour Measurement Tip:** Achieving the perfect texture for the chewy oat crust and crumbly topping is heavily dependent on accurate flour measurement. While many older versions of this recipe call for 2 ½ cups of flour, the moisture content of flour can vary significantly based on brand and environment, and people pack flour into measuring cups differently. For truly consistent and superior results that avoid a dry or dense bar, I strongly recommend using 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour if you are measuring by volume (ensure it’s well-stirred and lightly scooped). However, for the most precise outcome, weighing your flour is unequivocally the best method: aim for 10.5 oz (approximately 290 grams). This meticulous approach will help prevent dense or overly dry bars and ensures that ideal chewy-crumbly texture that defines exceptional Revel Bars.

Keyword Fudge Jumbles, Oatmeal Fudge Bars, Revel Bars, Dessert Recipes, Bake Sale Treats, Classic American Dessert, Layered Bars, Chocolate Oatmeal

Tried this recipe?We’d love to hear how your Revel Bars turned out! Share your experience and rating below.

Do you have a favorite variation on Fudge Revel Bars? Share it with us!

There are countless ways to make these delightful bars uniquely your own, and that’s part of the fun of baking! Some enthusiastic bakers love adding a touch of creamy peanut butter to the fudge filling for a classic flavor combination, while others might incorporate finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the oat mixture for added crunch and depth. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm fudge layer before baking can also create a wonderful sweet and salty contrast that elevates the entire experience.

We’re always eager to discover new takes on classic recipes and learn from our vibrant baking community. If you have a special ingredient, a unique technique, or a beloved family variation that makes your Revel Bars stand out, please don’t hesitate to share it in the comments section below. Let’s inspire each other to keep this beloved dessert tradition alive, evolving, and deliciously inventive for years to come!