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M & M Oatmeal Brownies: A Nostalgic Treat with a Fudgy Twist

My grandmother, Nana Rose, wasn’t much of a baker, truth be told. Her culinary forte lay in hearty, savory dishes – pot roasts that melted in your mouth and chicken noodle soup that could cure any ailment. But once a year, for the annual family picnic, she would attempt brownies. They were…rustic. Often dry, sometimes burnt, but always made with love. This recipe, however, reminds me of what her brownies aspired to be. These M & M Oatmeal Brownies are the perfect marriage of that homemade, wholesome feeling with a guaranteed fudgy, delicious result. The oat-studded topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the rich brownie beneath, and the M&Ms… well, everyone loves M&Ms!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yields: 24 brownies
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup miniature M&M baking bits
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 cup butter, melted
1 box fudge brownie mix, prepared (family or 9 x 13 pan size)

Equipment Needed

9 x 13 inch baking pan
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the brownies bake evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats, miniature M&M baking bits, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, chopped walnuts, baking soda, and melted butter. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. This mixture forms the delicious oatmeal topping and crust.
Measure out 1 cup of this oat mixture and set it aside. This will be sprinkled on top of the brownies later, creating a beautiful and tasty finish.
Take the remaining oat mixture and press it evenly into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Press firmly to create a compact crust. This crust provides a wonderful textural base for the fudgy brownies.
Prepare the fudge brownie mix according to the directions on the box. Whether you use a family-size or a 9 x 13 pan size brownie mix is fine, just ensure you follow the specific instructions for that particular mix.
Once the brownie mix is prepared, pour it evenly over the oat crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly.
Now, sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of oat mixture evenly over the top of the brownie batter. Distribute it as uniformly as possible for an attractive and flavorful topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not completely clean). The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. This allows the brownies to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even fudgier brownie, consider adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie mix. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
If you want extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake them. Reduce the baking time by a few minutes, but ensure the oat topping is golden brown.
To prevent the walnuts from burning, you can lightly toast them before adding them to the oat mixture. This brings out their nutty flavor and prevents them from becoming bitter in the oven.
For easier cutting, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These M & M Oatmeal Brownies are best served at room temperature. Cut them into squares or bars and arrange them on a platter. They are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee also pairs wonderfully with these brownies.

To store leftover brownies, place them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen brownies, thaw them at room temperature or microwave them in short intervals until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	192 kcal	10%
Total Fat	9.6g	12%
Saturated Fat	4.3g	22%
Cholesterol	12mg	4%
Sodium	98mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	23g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	14g
Protein	2g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the oat topping with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure the brownie mix is also gluten-free.
Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts from the oat topping. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
Different M&Ms: Feel free to experiment with different types of M&Ms, such as peanut M&Ms or pretzel M&Ms, for a unique twist.
Vegan: While the original recipe isn’t vegan-friendly, a box of vegan brownie mix can be used. Use a vegan butter substitute and vegan M&M’s.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
A: While you can, quick-cooking oats provide a better texture for the topping and crust. Regular oats will result in a chewier, less cohesive mixture.

Q: Do I need to grease the baking dish even if it’s non-stick?
A: Yes, it’s still recommended to grease the baking dish. This ensures the brownies release easily and the crust doesn’t stick.

Q: My brownies are browning too quickly on top. What should I do?
A: If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Q: Can I make the oat mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the oat mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry brownies.

Final Thoughts

These M & M Oatmeal Brownies are more than just a simple dessert; they are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. The easy preparation and the irresistible combination of fudgy brownie and crunchy oat topping make them a perfect treat for any occasion. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious brownies. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your baking experience with friends and family, and let me know what you think. Maybe even serve them with Nana Rose’s pot roast…just kidding! Enjoy!

M & M Oatmeal Brownies Recipe