These caramel oatmeal chewy bars with caramel topping are addicting and I love them! I hope your family loves them as much as mine! Enjoy.
Easy Oatmeal Chewy Bars with Caramel Topping
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Measuring Cups and Spoons:
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel topping
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- 1½ stick butter (melted)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1¾ cup all-purpose flour (divided: 1 ½ for oat mixture and ¼ for topping with caramel)
- 1¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Combine oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and 1 1/2 cups flour in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in melted butter and mix well.
- Measure out 1 cup of the oat mixture and set to the side.
- Press the rest of the oat mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes or until golden brown. Don't over-bake.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chip morsels and nuts (optional).
- Mix caramel topping and the rest of the flour in a small bowl. Drizzle over morsels. Keep it away from the very edge to help with cutting when they cool. They will get stuck to the sides if you get the caramel out to the far edge.
- Top with the rest of the oat mixture. Use your hands to sprinkle it around.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting.
Fall brings the season of cozy sweaters, crisp air, and delicious baked treats, and there’s nothing quite like indulging in Caramel Oatmeal Chewy Bars with Caramel Topping. This recipe creates soft, chewy oatmeal bars that satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with a rich, gooey caramel layer and the option to add semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whether you use old-fashioned oats or quick oats, these bars will become a go-to for your family gatherings, after-dinner desserts, or snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Caramel Oatmeal Chewy Bars with Caramel Topping:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Chocolate Oatmeal Caramel Bars:
1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats (or use the quick oatmeal option for a softer texture)
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (separated: 1 1/2 for oat mixture and 1/4 for topping)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or the dark chocolate chip option for a richer taste)
1 1/2 stick (3/4 cup) melted butter (salted or unsalted butter either one)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup caramel topping (look for the thick caramel ice cream topping in the jar)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Melty Chocolate Caramel Chocolate Bars:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients, the oven, and the pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350° and greasing a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together. Mix in melted butter.
2. Press the Oatmeal Base into the Pan:
Take one cup of the oatmeal mixture and set it to the side. Take the rest of the dough and press it into the prepared baking pan. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly and press it down so it forms a solid base. This will bake into a soft oatmeal cookie dough base with a golden brown, chewy texture. Bake it for 9-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Phase Two of Gooey Goodness
3. Sprinkle Chocolate Chips:
Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the caramel layer, or choose the dark chocolate chip option for a deeper flavor. The combination of melted chocolate and caramel creates an amazing, sweet filling for these chewy caramel oatmeal bars.
4. Add the Gooey Caramel Layer:
Now, it’s time to add the highlight of this recipe—gooey caramel filling. Mix the caramel topping with the rest of the flour (1/4 cup) in a small bowl to create the caramel mixture. Drizzle it over the chocolate chips.
5. Top with the Remaining Oat Mixture:
Take the remaining oatmeal dough and crumble it on top of the caramel and chocolate layers. It is okay if it doesn’t cover every inch. The creamy caramel layer combined with the oatmeal dough sets this delicious recipe apart from most.
6. Bake Until Golden Brown:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the top turns a lovely golden brown. The AMAZING smell of caramel and oats baking together will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know your Caramel Oat Bars are almost ready.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely. Cool completely before you cut bars. If you want to store these bars for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can refrigerate them to help them set up.
Storage Tips:
You can store these Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week. They also freeze well—just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that warm, gooey caramel.
Variations to Try:
This recipe can easily be customized to fit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter texture, use the quick oatmeal option instead of old-fashioned oats. You can switch out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. You could even add crushed pretzel pieces or sprinkle sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist!
Why You’ll Love These Bars:
These Caramel Oatmeal Chewy Bars with Caramel Topping is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The base of soft, buttery oatmeal goes perfectly with the sticky sweetness of the caramel and the smooth richness of melted chocolate. Whether you enjoy these bars warm or cold, the layers of chewy oats and gooey caramel deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s impossible to resist.
This recipe is pretty simple and I hope you give it a try. Plus, the fact that these bars can be stored for days means you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the craving hits.
Final Thoughts:
When fall rolls around and you’re searching for the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm fall drink, look no further than these Caramel Oatmeal Chewy Bars with Caramel Topping. Packed with flavors, easy to make, and sure to please any crowd, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Give these bars a try, and don’t forget to sprinkle chocolate chips generously for that added touch of indulgence!
Pin for Later
Pin this delicious Caramel Oatmeal Chewy Bar recipe for later, so you’ll have it ready when you are ready to satisfy your sweet tooth! Next time a craving hits, whip up these chewy bars with the buttery oat layers and gooey caramel. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the perfect snack or dessert. For best results wait until completely cooled before slicing, and every every bite of rich chocolate and caramel goodness that melts into the oats. You won’t want to miss out on this treat!
More Delicious Fall Treats
Protein Pumpkin Muffins: An Easy Fall Favorite!
Quick Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes: Healthy too!
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