Caramel Bars Recipe

Looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert? These Chewy Caramel Bars are made with a buttery oat crust, rich caramel filling, gooey chocolate, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are great for holidays, potlucks, or everyday treats.

With easy-to-find ingredients like caramels, rolled oats, brown sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, this recipe delivers a homemade dessert with bakery-quality results. Whether you’re craving a caramel dessert bar or a nutty, chocolate-filled treat, these Caramel Bars with Oats and Walnuts are versatile, delicious, and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 32 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 5 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Caramel Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the mixture is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Crust and Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
   • Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Assemble the First Layer:
   • Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping.
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. Add the Fillings:
   • Remove the crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
   • Pour the warm caramel sauce over the chocolate and walnuts, spreading it into an even layer.
6. Add the Topping and Bake:
   • Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the caramel bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Easy caramel melting: Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the caramels and cream in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
• Prevent sticking: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Even layers: Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press and spread layers evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
• Chocolate options: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free treat.
• Salted caramel: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel layer for a sweet-salty flavor combo.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of wrapped caramels?
Yes! Substitute 1 cup of thick, homemade caramel sauce for the melted caramels and cream.

How do I store leftover caramel bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Pack them in lunchboxes or serve at potlucks for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Bars are the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and gooey textures. The buttery oat crust pairs beautifully with the rich caramel, melty chocolate, and nutty crunch. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether for a quick dessert, holiday baking, or a sweet snack, they’re sure to become a favorite!