Indulge in the ultimate combination of flavors and textures with these irresistible Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars. Featuring a buttery oatmeal cookie base, gooey caramel filling, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for dessert or need a decadent snack to satisfy your cravings, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
Who Will Love These Bars?
These Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars are perfect for anyone who enjoys the classic combination of chocolate and caramel in a satisfying and indulgent treat. Whether you’re a fan of traditional oatmeal cookies or simply love the rich flavor of caramel paired with chocolate, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Why They’re a Must-Try
What sets these bars apart is their perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and richness. The buttery oatmeal cookie base provides a hearty and satisfying texture, while the gooey caramel filling adds a luscious and indulgent sweetness. Topped with a layer of rich chocolate, each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 package (11 ounces) caramel bits or caramel squares, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and stir until well combined.
- Press two-thirds of the oatmeal cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- In a small saucepan, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Pour the caramel filling over the oatmeal cookie base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Crumble the remaining oatmeal cookie dough over the top of the caramel layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled bars, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the chocolate topping to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before slicing into bars.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any leftover bars (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a gooey and satisfying treat.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making the caramel filling from scratch? Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when layered between the cookie base and chocolate topping.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the bars? Absolutely! Customize the bars with your favorite mix-ins such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the topping? Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that the topping may be slightly softer than using semisweet chocolate.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair these Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a comforting and indulgent treat. For an extra special touch, top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert experience.
Share the Sweetness!
If you love indulging in decadent desserts, be sure to share this Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars recipe with your friends and family. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and baking inspiration!