Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars

4.20 from 35 votes

Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars are an indulgent dessert made with a buttery oatmeal cookie crust and layered with melted chocolate, and gooey caramel.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: caramelitas, carmelitas, chocolate caramel oatmeal bars

Servings: bars

Calories: 344kcal

Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Ingredients

Cookie Base

3/4 cup salted butter melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 whole egg lightly beaten with a fork

Filling

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
35 caramel candies unwrapped
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon, combine all of the cookie base ingredients. Mix until combined.
Press half of the cookie mixture into the prepared baking dish with your hands or a spatula. Bake for 12 minutes.
In the meantime, make the caramel sauce by adding the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy whipping cream to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval for up to 2-4 minutes depending on your microwave. Caramel sauce should be smooth. Alternatively, you could heat caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan on medium-low heat. Stirring continuously until smooth.
After 12 minutes, remove pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips. Then top with caramel sauce.
Add the remaining cookie crust to the top by crumbling it with your fingers.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the center will be bubbly.
Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the bars cool completely- this can take several hours. You can also place the cooled pan in the refrigerator to speed up the process. You want to be sure the caramel in the center is cooled otherwise it can burn when cutting into bars.
Once cooled, cut into bars with a sharp knife and enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Notes:

To-store: If you happen to have any leftovers, luckily these cookie bars will stay fresh, soft, and chewy for a few days. Place cookies in an airtight container or cover plate tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To-freeze: Place Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars in an airtight container or freezer-friendly ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or overnight in the refrigerator.

Recipe adapted from: Savory Experiments

Nutrition