Decadent Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars
These Decadent Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of caramel with the delightful crunch of oats and the sweetness of M&M's. Inspired by a classic recipe from Carol Burger, these bars are perfect for any festive occasion or as a sweet pick-me-up. They’re incredibly simple to make and can be customized by adding your favorite nuts (if desired) — though even without nuts, they remain irresistibly delicious! Each bite is a chewy, gooey explosion of flavor that will surely please your family and friends.
16
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wrapped Caramels
32-36 (unwrapped)
Evaporated Milk
2/3 cup (none)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (none)
Quick Oats
1 cup (none)
Nuts
1 cup (chopped (optional))
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
M&M's Plain Chocolate Candy
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, quick oats, chopped nuts (if using), brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour the melted butter in and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Set aside 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
4
Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of M&M's evenly over the crust. Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the M&M's.
5
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of M&M's.
6
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
7
Allow the bars to cool slightly before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for about 30 minutes to set before cutting into bars.
Nutrition Information
10.3g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
1.6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars?
These bars are a rich dessert featuring a chewy oat crust, a gooey caramel layer, and M&M's chocolate candies.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What type of oats are required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of quick oats.
How many caramels are needed for the filling?
You will need 32 to 36 wrapped caramels, which should be unwrapped before cooking.
What kind of milk is used for the caramel sauce?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of evaporated milk to melt with the caramels.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1 cup of chopped nuts to the crumb mixture if desired.
How much butter is used in the crust?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the initial baking time for the crust?
The bottom crust should be baked for 10 minutes before adding the toppings.
How many M&M's are used in total?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of M&M's Plain Chocolate Candy is used.
How long is the final bake time?
After assembly, bake the bars for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
What size pan is recommended?
A greased 9x13 inch baking pan is the standard size for this recipe.
Do I need to chill the bars before cutting?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them set.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the protein content per bar?
There is approximately 1.5g of protein per serving.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Should the caramels be melted over high heat?
No, the caramels and evaporated milk should be cooked over low heat while stirring occasionally.
How much crumb mixture should I set aside?
Set aside 1 cup of the crumb mixture to use as the top layer.
Does this recipe include baking soda?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
What is the amount of salt required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden and the structure is set.
What is the total fat content?
Each serving has about 10.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic version from Carol Burger.
How much fiber do these bars provide?
Each bar contains approximately 1.6g of fiber.
What should the mixture resemble after adding butter?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Is the pan greased before or after adding the crust?
The pan should be greased before you press the crumb mixture into the bottom.
What type of M&M's should be used?
The recipe specifies M&M's Plain Chocolate Candy.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this recipe.