Gooey Caramel Oat Bars (Printable Recipe Version)
Buttery oat bars with rich caramel and creamy chocolate inside. You don’t need a mixer for this simple, easy-to-make treat.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
01 -
1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
02 -
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed tight.
03 -
½ teaspoon salt.
04 -
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (about 1½ sticks).
05 -
1 teaspoon baking soda.
06 -
1 cup old-fashioned oats, not quick oats.
07 -
1 cup all-purpose flour.
08 -
½ cup heavy cream.
09 -
35 caramel candies, unwrapped.
10 -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips.
# Steps to Make It:
01 -
Set your oven to 350°F. Cover an 8x8 pan with foil and coat it with nonstick spray.
02 -
Combine melted butter with vanilla and brown sugar. Toss in flour, oats, salt, and baking soda, and stir everything together.
03 -
Spread half of the mix into the pan and bake it for 10 minutes.
04 -
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix caramels and cream. Heat in short bursts of about 60 seconds each until melted—3 to 5 minutes total.
05 -
Scatter the chocolate over the baked base. Drizzle the smooth caramel on top, then finish with the rest of the oat mixture.
06 -
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until sides are golden and the middle is bubbly. Let it cool completely, about 4 hours or overnight for best results.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Go for soft caramels—they’ll melt easier.
02 -
You’ve gotta wait till it cools or it won’t slice neatly.
03 -
Pop it in the fridge to chill quicker.