Description
Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate cookie bars with a chewy oatmeal base, rich chocolate chips, and gooey caramel filling. Perfect for dessert tables, parties, or a cozy night in. Make a batch today and wow your crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
35 soft caramels (unwrapped)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, allowing it to hang over the sides for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully blended and smooth.
- Create the Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Set the remaining dough aside.
- Initial Bake: Bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: Combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is silky and fully melted.
- Add Chocolate and Caramel: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the top, spreading it gently to cover.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Flatten pieces of the remaining cookie dough between your hands and place them over the caramel layer, covering as much as possible.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Set: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This will take 3 to 4 hours at room temperature, or speed up the process by chilling the pan in the fridge after it’s cooled to the touch.
Notes
Use parchment for easier lifting and clean edges.
Chill before slicing to keep layers neat.
Store in an airtight container at room temp, fridge, or freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 2g