Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars A Chewy Gooey Delight

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s chewy, gooey, and packed with caramel and chocolate, then these Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars are about to become your new favorite. Seriously, they’re a little bit of heaven in every bite!

I combined rich caramel, creamy chocolate, and hearty oats into one irresistible bar. The chewy texture and sweet, gooey filling make these bars perfect for any occasion—snack, dessert, or even a treat on the go.

These bars are everything you want—rich, sweet, and totally satisfying. Every bite is a delicious mix of crunchy oats and smooth caramel and chocolate. They’re just the right amount of indulgent!

Let me show you how I make these chewy, gooey delights. It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Balance: With the rich taste of caramel, smooth chocolate, and hearty oats, these bars hit all the right notes. It’s a dessert that combines texture and flavor like no other.
• Reader Favorite: One reader exclaimed, “These bars are so gooey, chewy, and indulgent. Definitely one of my favorite desserts!”
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These caramel chocolate oat bars can be made ahead and stored for later. Perfect for meal prep or to satisfy that sweet tooth throughout the week.
• Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have these bars in your oven in just 20 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a family dessert night or need a treat to bring to a party, these bars will be a hit!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings:
This recipe yields about 12 bars. If you need more, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Difficulty:
This recipe is easy enough for beginners but also enjoyable for experienced bakers. It’s the perfect treat for anyone looking to make something quick and satisfying.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for the Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars

These chewy, gooey bars are made with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible treat:

For the Oat Crust & Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crust.
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats: Provides that chewy texture we all love.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds rich sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with the rise and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to the crust and topping.

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The base of the creamy caramel layer.
• 1 package (11 oz) caramel bits: Melts perfectly into a gooey, delicious caramel filling.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the caramel layer extra smooth and creamy.

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Provides a rich, chocolatey contrast to the sweet caramel and oats.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and rounds out the sweetness.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line your 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will help you easily lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the pan instead.

2. Make the Oat Crust and Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir again until everything is combined and forms a crumbly dough.

3. Press the Crust Into the Pan

Take the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s even. This will form the base for your bars and will bake into a deliciously chewy texture.

4. Prepare the Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, caramel bits, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the caramel bits are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This will be your gooey caramel filling.

5. Pour the Caramel Over the Oat Crust

Once your caramel is ready, pour it evenly over the oat crust, spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Be careful, as the caramel will be hot!

6. Add the Chocolate Layer

Now it’s time for the chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You can create a marbled effect by gently swirling the chocolate into the caramel if you like. This gives your bars that beautiful, gooey finish.

7. Add the Topping and Bake

Now, take the remaining oat mixture (the crumbly part) and sprinkle it evenly over the chocolate layer. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping once baked.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are slightly crisp, and the middle looks set.

8. Cool and Slice

Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 30 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice. After cooling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the dish and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles, and your caramel chocolate oat bars are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars

These bars are perfect as an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or a treat to bring to a party. They’re rich, sweet, and packed with layers of flavor. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Storing Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated if you prefer them to be a little firmer, but they’re perfectly fine at room temperature too.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is fully melted, but not too hot, to ensure it mixes well with the dry ingredients.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking can cause the caramel to become too hard.
• Customizing: If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	1 Bar (based on 12 servings)
Calories	350
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	3g
Sugar	25g

Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for make-ahead baking. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for a firmer texture. If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

2. Can I substitute the caramel bits with something else?

If you can’t find caramel bits, you can use individually wrapped caramels instead. Just unwrap and melt them with the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Another option is to use caramel sauce, but be sure to adjust the consistency by adding a little more heavy cream if needed.

3. Can I add nuts to the bars?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a little crunch, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the oat crust mixture. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking for extra texture.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to check the labels on your caramel bits and chocolate chips to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

5. What’s the best way to slice these bars?

For clean, neat slices, let the bars cool completely before cutting. You can also chill them in the fridge for an hour to make slicing easier. Using a sharp knife or a serrated bread knife works best for cutting through the layers.

Conclusion

These Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars are the perfect blend of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and chewy oats—making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert, preparing for a party, or just need a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee, these bars deliver in both flavor and ease. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up a batch in no time, leaving everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, treat yourself to these delicious bars, and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness!