Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups quick-cooking oats
– 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, melted
– 1 bag (14 oz) caramel candies, unwrapped
– 1/3 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Press half of the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
5. Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the top.
6. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 24 bars
These oatmeal caramel bars are the perfect combination of buttery, sweet, and chewy goodness—ideal for dessert or a sweet snack!