Decadent Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
These Decadent Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that combines layers of chewy oatmeal goodness with a luscious caramel and chocolate filling. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack anytime, this recipe was inspired by a beloved holiday bake exchange. Each bite delivers a comforting blend of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these bars are sure to win hearts and tantalize taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Caramels
32 (unwrapped)
Evaporated Milk
5 tablespoons (none)
Flour
1 cup (none)
Oatmeal
1 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
3/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Butter or Margarine
3/4 cup (melted)
Chocolate Chips
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of oatmeal, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix until well combined.
3
Melt 3/4 cup of butter (or margarine) and pour it into the dry oatmeal mixture. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
4
Press half of the oatmeal mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5
While the base is baking, prepare the caramel by combining 32 unwrapped caramels and 5 tablespoons of evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
6
Remove the pan from the oven, and sprinkle an even layer of chocolate chips over the baked oatmeal base.
7
Pour the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, followed by the remaining oatmeal mixture. Gently press it down to ensure it adheres.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 24 squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars?
These are rich dessert bars consisting of a chewy oatmeal base and topping with a luscious center of melted caramel and chocolate chips.
What ingredients do I need for these oatmeal bars?
You will need caramels, evaporated milk, flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, butter or margarine, and chocolate chips.
How many bars does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 24 squares when cut from a 9 x 13 inch pan.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
Should I grease the pan?
Yes, grease the pan with butter or cooking spray before adding the oatmeal mixture.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of melted butter or margarine.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 3/4 cup of butter or 3/4 cup of margarine.
What kind of sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of brown sugar.
How many caramels are needed for the filling?
You will need 32 unwrapped caramels.
What is the role of evaporated milk in this recipe?
Five tablespoons of evaporated milk are mixed with the caramels to create a smooth, pourable caramel sauce.
How much oatmeal is in the crust and topping?
The recipe requires 1 cup of oatmeal.
How much flour is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of flour.
Are there leavening agents in the bars?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How long do I bake the bottom layer?
Bake the first half of the oatmeal mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
When do I add the chocolate chips?
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked oatmeal base after it is removed from the oven for the first time.
How many chocolate chips are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chocolate chips.
How do I melt the caramel?
Combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat and stir until melted and smooth.
How is the top layer of the bars formed?
The remaining half of the oatmeal mixture is crumbled over the caramel layer and gently pressed down.
How long is the final baking time?
Bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes after adding the caramel and top layer.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top layer appears golden brown.
Can I cut the bars while they are warm?
No, you must let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the caramel to set before cutting.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the dry ingredients.
What is the texture of these bars?
They feature a chewy oatmeal texture with a soft, gooey caramel and chocolate center.
Can these bars be served at holidays?
Yes, they were inspired by a holiday bake exchange and are perfect for holiday gatherings.
How should I store the leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
What type of chocolate chips should I use?
While the recipe just says chocolate chips, semi-sweet is traditional, but you can use your favorite variety.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it uses simple ingredients and easy-to-follow layering steps.
Should I melt the butter before mixing?
Yes, melting the butter helps it combine with the dry ingredients to create the crumbly oatmeal mixture.
Can I use quick oats or rolled oats?
The recipe specifies oatmeal; usually, rolled oats provide a chewier texture while quick oats are more delicate.