Fudgy Oat Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 package fudge brownie mix (13-inch x 9-inch pan size)
• FROSTING:
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1-1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 2-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 to 4 tablespoons hot water
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter until combined. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10-11 minutes or until puffed and edges are lightly browned.
• Meanwhile, prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cake-like brownies. Spread batter over crust. Bake 25-30 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• For frosting, in a small saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from the heat; immediately stir in confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons water and vanilla until smooth. Add remaining water; stir until smooth. Immediately spread over brownies. Cool on a wire rack until firm. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.

Fudgy Oat Brownies published in Taste of Home April/May 2005, p31