Hidden Brownie Squares

Have you ever been in the middle of making what you thought was a new recipe when you suddenly realized that you had been there before?  Well, that is what happened to me with this one.  When I was making it, I realized that it was very similar to Oatmeal Crisp Brownies that I posted as part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas back in October.

I apologize for posting two such similar recipes, but am going to go ahead and post this one as it is slightly different.  This one is made in a 10x15-inch baking pan so makes more cookies.  Also the nuts are in the crust in this one instead of in the brownies.  I think that I like that better.  This one give you a fudge-like brownie layer between nutty oatmeal layers.  The other brownie recipe is not quite as fudge-like as this one.

Hidden Brownie Squares
4 c. Homemade Brownie Mix
4 eggs at room temperature
2 t. vanilla
OR
1 pkg. (21 oz.) brownie mix plus ingredients to make fudge brownies

2 3/4 c. quick rolled oats
1 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. chopped nuts
1 t. baking soda
1 c. butter

Put the 4 cups of Homemade Brownie Mix in a large mixing bowl.  Beat eggs and vanilla together in a small bowl.  Add to brownie mix and combine well.  OR Prepare brownie mix according to package directions to make fudge like brownies.  Set aside.
In large bowl combine oats, flour, brown sugar and baking soda.    Add butter and cut in until mixture forms coarse crumbs.   Stir in nuts.   Divide oatmeal mixture in half.  Press half into the bottom of a foil-lined 10x15-inch baking pan.   Pour brownie mixture over the oatmeal mixture spreading evenly.  Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the brownie batter.  Pat down gently.  Bake at 350 degrees 25 to 30 minutes.   Place pan on rack to cool.  Cut into bars while still warm.  These are very rich and can be cut small.  Makes about 5 dozen.

Tomorrow we will be making Lumpy Coal Cookies with the Homemade Brownie Mix.  I promised I have not posted a similar recipe on this blog.