Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Quick and easy Caramel Oatmeal Bars are ooey, gooey, sweet and delicious! A chewy oatmeal crust with a layer of caramel and chocolate chips. Grab one of these bars that are perfect for sharing, bringing as a dessert or potluck.

Caramel, oatmeal, and chocolate…what a combo! These caramel oatmeal bars are crazy delicious and so easy to make. I typically whip up a batch of these or some peanut butter chocolate chip bars when I need something easy to take to a party.

This recipe is just so yummy. First you’ll make a soft and chewy oatmeal crust that is basically a tasty oatmeal cookie. Then, melt caramel and half and half together to make a smooth and creamy caramel layer. Top with melty chocolate chips for the final perfect touch!

Oatmeal caramel bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert with simple ingredients and an easy to follow to recipe. The only con is that they’re dangerously addictive!

Why You’ll Love Caramel Oatmeal Bars

• Many of these ingredients are pantry staples and things you may already have in your refrigerator. You may be able to make this recipe without a trip to the grocery store!
• One batch of this recipe makes 20 bars, making it great for large gatherings!
• It won’t take long to make this warm and gooey treat. You only need 40 minutes to make the most perfect caramelita bars.

Ingredients for Caramel Oatmeal Bars

• Caramels – You can find baking caramels on the baking aisle of your local grocery store near the chocolate chips.
• Old fashioned oatmeal – Old fashioned oats are also often called rolled oats. So either one will work!
• Melted butter – I recommend using unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt content in this recipe.
• Brown sugar – The combination of brown sugar and caramel is perfect!
• Salt – Salt and caramel are a match made in heaven. A little pinch of salt will help balance all the ingredients and bring out the flavor of caramel.
• All-purpose flour – Using some all purpose flour with the oats helps give the oat layer a cookie like texture.
• Baking soda – Using a little bit of a leavening agent helps give a bit of lift to the oatmeal layer and keeps it soft and chewy.
• Half and half – Mix half and half with the caramels to make a creamy and smooth mixture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – I like the flavor of semi-sweet chocolate, but you could use milk chocolate or dark chocolate too!

How to Make Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Use non-stick cooking spray to grease a 9×13 inch pan, then set it aside. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix together the all-purpose flour, old fashioned oatmeal, melted butter, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt with a handheld mixer or stand mixer.

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.

Next, melt the caramels and ⅓ cup of half and half in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently so that the mixture does not scald.

Once smooth and creamy, pour the caramel over the oatmeal in the pan, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.

Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, until the crust is just turning golden brown on the sides.

Allow to cool and then cut into 20 squares, or smaller if you would prefer the serving sizes to be small. Enjoy!

How to Store Leftover Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Place leftover bars in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store at room temperature for about 4 days or in the fridge for up a week.

Alternatively, you can store leftover bars in the freezer! Wrap the 9×13 pan in plastic wrap or place leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before eating!

What would pair well with caramel oatmeal bars?

Serve a warm and gooey bar with a cold glass of milk or some good old fashioned vanilla ice cream. This would also be a yummy treat to have with a caramel macchiato or any other delicious cup of coffee.

Can I use instant oats?

No, instant oats cannot be used in place of the old fashioned oats in this recipe. They won’t bake in the same way that rolled oats do, so make sure you use the right ones!

Once you make caramel oatmeal bars, you’re going to wonder why it took you so long to find this recipe! They’re the BEST! If you love these, then be sure to try my oatmeal butterscotch cookies.

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