Irresistibly Gooey Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are one of those desserts that never fail to impress—sweet, chewy, buttery, and packed with layers of indulgence. If you’re here, thank you for stopping by my kitchen today! I’m so excited to share this recipe that’s been a family favorite for years. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why these bars always disappear first at bake sales, potlucks, and cozy family gatherings.

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Overview of Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

These bars are a beautiful combination of a buttery oatmeal crust, rich melted chocolate, and gooey caramel tucked in the center. They’re a perfect treat for holiday trays, weekend baking, or a sweet dessert after dinner.

• Taste: Imagine a mix of chewy oatmeal cookies, silky caramel, and chocolate chip cookie bars—all in one bite.
• Why You’ll Love It: Quick to prepare, easy to transport, and make-ahead friendly. Plus, the texture is unreal.
• Health/Nutrition: Not exactly diet food, but they do have oats, which give them a wholesome, hearty bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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For the Oatmeal Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 14 oz package soft caramels (about 40 pieces), unwrapped
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Saucepan
• Parchment paper

Suggested Substitutions

• Swap dark chocolate for semisweet if you love a richer taste.
• Use sea salt caramel chips for an extra salty-sweet bite.
• For gluten-free: use certified GF oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

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1. Prepare the base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment.
2. In a bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Layer: Press half of the oat mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly set.
5. Caramel filling: In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
6. Assemble: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour caramel sauce on top. Crumble remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
7. Bake another 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars (hardest part, I know!).

What to Serve with Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
• A glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
• Perfect for a holiday cookie platter next to No Bake Oreo Balls and Easy Pumpkin Muffins.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overbake—bars should still look a little soft in the center. They’ll firm as they cool.
• Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
• Chill before cutting for clean slices.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temp in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate for a firmer texture.
• Freeze up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature.

General Information

These bars remind me of the layered cookie bars my nonna used to make during the holidays. They’re timeless, adaptable, and truly crowd-pleasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.

What if I don’t have caramels?
You can substitute with dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce, but the bars will be softer.

Do they freeze well?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

There’s something magical about Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars—they’re nostalgic, decadent, and easy to share. If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and Peanut Butter Protein Balls.

Thanks for baking with me today! Be sure to tag me on Pinterest (Poulef Recipes) if you try these bars—I’d love to see your creations.

Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Saturated Fat	Protein	Fiber	Sodium
320	44g	28g	14g	8g	4g	2g	160mg

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