These rich, chewy caramel bars have a buttery oat crust, a thick caramel layer, and melty chocolate chips, making them completely irresistible.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏳ Bake Time: 30 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 16 bars
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~350
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🍚 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 🌾 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 tsp baking soda
- 🌾 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 🧂 ½ tsp salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- 🍯 1 cup caramel sauce (or 30 soft caramels melted with ¼ cup heavy cream)
- 🧀 ¼ cup heavy cream
- 🍫 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 🌰 ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Oat Crust:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
3️⃣ Bake the Bottom Layer:
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
4️⃣ Add the Caramel & Chocolate:
- Pour melted caramel sauce over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.
5️⃣ Top & Bake Again:
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
6️⃣ Cool & Slice:
- Let cool completely before slicing for the best gooey texture!
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super gooey, buttery, and caramel-loaded!
✔️ The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chewy.
✔️ Easy to make with pantry staples!
✔️ Make ahead & freezer-friendly!
🔥 Helpful Tips
✅ For thicker bars, use an 8×8-inch pan.
✅ Let them cool completely to avoid a melty mess!
✅ Make it extra indulgent by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top!
Enjoy your Caramelitas—chewy, buttery, and absolutely addictive! 🍫🧈🍯 Let me know if you need more easy dessert recipes! 😊