Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are the perfect blend of chewy oats, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for sharing at gatherings or indulging in a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel ice cream topping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.
3. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
5. Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the chocolate chips. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.
6. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the top is lightly toasted.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

1. Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture for added texture.
2. Dark Chocolate Twist: Replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
3. Salted Caramel Delight: Use salted caramel topping and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty contrast.
4. Peanut Butter Drizzle: Add a layer of peanut butter before the caramel for an extra nutty flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Let the bars thaw at room temperature or warm them in a microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
   Yes, but the texture may be slightly chewier.
2. What can I use as a substitute for caramel topping?
   Dulce de leche or homemade caramel sauce works well as a substitute.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Butter is recommended for better flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.
5. What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
   Chill the bars in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cutting them with a sharp knife.
6. Can I add fruit to this recipe?
   Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be added to the oat mixture.
7. What can I use if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
   Use two 8×8-inch pans or adjust the recipe for smaller pans.
8. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?
   Ensure the bars are fully cooled before storing them in an airtight container.
9. Can I use milk chocolate chips?
   Yes, but the bars may be sweeter with milk chocolate.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely! Use a larger pan or make multiple batches.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that are surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you customize them with nuts, change up the chocolate, or enjoy them as-is, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe

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• Author: Mary
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery oat crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or satisfying your sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel ice cream topping

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined.
• Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, and pour the caramel topping over the chocolate chips.
• Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is lightly toasted.
• Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, caramel dessert, chocolate chip recipes, easy dessert