Indulge in the irresistible charm of Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars, a decadent treat that combines layers of buttery oat crumble, velvety caramel, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Perfectly crafted with wholesome rolled oats and a touch of vanilla, these dessert bars strike the ideal balance between sweet and salty. A molten caramel center, made effortlessly with caramel candies and heavy cream, oozes between a golden base and a crunchy topping, creating a texture thatβs pure perfection. With just 20 minutes of prep time, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for bake sales, dessert tables, or an indulgent snack. Serve them room temperature for a satisfying bite or warm them slightly for a gooey twist. Optimize your dessert game with this crowd-pleasing recipe thatβs sure to be a hit!
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
Press approximately two-thirds of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan to create an even base layer. Reserve the remaining dough for later.
Bake the base layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. While the base is baking, prepare the caramel layer.
Unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the heavy cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Once the base layer is partially baked, remove it from the oven. Scatter the chocolate chips evenly over the warm base, then carefully pour the melted caramel over the chocolate layer.
Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top of the caramel layer, covering as evenly as possible.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan for easy slicing.
Cut into 16 squares or bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Calories |
4190 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 201.2 g | 258% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.3 g | 576% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 312 mg | 104% | |
| Sodium | 755 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 581.5 g | 211% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.1 g | 140% | |
| Total Sugars | 297.0 g | ||
| Protein | 64.2 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 299 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 23.1 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 1156 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.