Decadent Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars, a cherished family favorite. These bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey, with layers of rich chocolate and luscious caramel nestled between a crispy oatmeal crust. Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a beloved treat in your home as well. Feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings and bake it in a jelly roll pan. Just remember to chill them for 1-2 hours after baking for the best texture and flavor!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (For the crust and caramel mixture)
Quick-cooking oatmeal
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (Firmly packed)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Butter
3/4 cup (Softened)
Chocolate chips
1 (6 ounce) package (No preparation needed)
Chopped pecans
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Caramel ice cream topping
3/4 cup (No preparation needed)
Flour
3 tablespoons (For mixing with caramel)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of quick-cooking oatmeal, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the ingredients resemble coarse crumbs.
3
Add 3/4 cup of softened butter to the crumb mixture and blend until well combined.
4
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 11x7 inch baking pan to form an even layer.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
6
Remove the pan from the oven, then sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the baked crust.
7
In a separate bowl, mix 3/4 cup of caramel ice cream topping with 3 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Carefully spread this caramel mixture over the chocolate chips and pecans.
8
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the caramel layer.
9
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before refrigerating.
11
Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set before cutting into 24 evenly sized bars.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
15
Carbs
1.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars?
They are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans between a chewy oatmeal crust.
How many bars does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 24 evenly sized bars.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
An 11x7 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
What type of oats are used in this recipe?
Quick-cooking oatmeal is used to ensure the right texture for the crust and topping.
How do I prepare the crust?
Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt, then blend in softened butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Do I bake the whole crust at once?
No, you press half of the crumb mixture into the pan to bake as a bottom crust first.
How long does the bottom crust bake?
The bottom crust should bake for 10 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
What goes on top of the baked crust?
You sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the baked layer.
How do I prepare the caramel layer?
Mix 3/4 cup of caramel ice cream topping with 3 tablespoons of flour until the mixture is smooth.
Why is flour added to the caramel topping?
Adding flour to the caramel topping helps it set properly and prevents it from becoming too runny.
When do I add the remaining crumb mixture?
The remaining crumbs are sprinkled on top of the caramel layer before the final bake.
How long is the final baking time?
The bars should bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What is the first step after removing the bars from the oven?
Let them cool on the counter for about 10-15 minutes.
How long should the bars be refrigerated?
They should be chilled for 1-2 hours to set properly before cutting.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe for larger gatherings.
What pan should I use for a double batch?
A jelly roll pan is ideal for a double batch of these bars.
How many calories are in one bar?
Each bar contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per bar.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each serving contains approximately 1.25 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each bar has about 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to properly blend into the dry ingredients for a crumbly texture.
How should I pack the brown sugar?
The brown sugar should be firmly packed when measuring.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, you can omit the pecans or substitute them with other nuts like walnuts.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
Standard semi-sweet chocolate chips are typically used, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate also work well.
What is the texture of these bars?
They are described as having a perfect balance between chewy, gooey, and crispy.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The top should be golden brown and the caramel layer should be bubbly.
Can these be served warm?
While delicious warm, they are best served after chilling for 1-2 hours so the layers can set.
Are these bars suitable for picnics?
Yes, they are excellent for picnics and parties once they have been chilled and set.
What ingredients are in the crust?
The crust is made of all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oatmeal, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and butter.