FUDGY CHOCOLATE-OATMEAL BARS

Fudgy Chocolate-Oatmeal Bars image

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, divided
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups quick-cooking rollsed oats
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups (12-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup sliced almonds, divided

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the butter.
Beat the remaining butter in large bowl on medium speed of mixer for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Beat in eggs and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla.
Stir together flour and baking soda in another large bowl; stir in oats. Gradually stir flour mixture into beaten mixture. Set aside.
Combine reserved 2 tablespoons butter, the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the almonds and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla.
Press two-thirds (about 3 1/3 cups) of the oats mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 15 1/2x10 1/2x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Spread chocolate mixture over the oats mixture. Using your fingers, dot remaining oats mixture over the chocolate. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup almonds.