Chewy Caramel Bars
Indulge in the perfect blend of textures and flavors with these irresistible Chewy Caramel Bars! Featuring a buttery oat crust, a luscious layer of melted caramel, and a sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips, this dessert is the ultimate treat for any caramel lover. Optional chopped nuts add a delightful crunch, while the golden crumb topping ties it all together. With just 20 minutes of prep time and easy layering techniques, these homemade caramel bars are ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home. Don't forget to refrigerate them briefly for that perfectly set, gooey caramel center. Perfectly sweet, chewy, and utterly satisfying, these bars are bound to become your new favorite indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 14 ounces caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel filling. Add the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream to a medium saucepan. Place over low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels are melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Pour the melted caramel over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) over the caramel layer.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel and gently press it down to create an even topping.
Bake the bars for an additional 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are set.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish before slicing. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the caramel layer set.
Cut into 16 squares or bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5768 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 221.5 g | 284% | |
| Saturated Fat | 111.1 g | 556% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 308 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 2473 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 931.0 g | 339% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.4 g | 116% | |
| Total Sugars | 585.0 g | ||
| Protein | 66.1 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 583 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 1982 mg | 42% | |
*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.
