Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars that are not only a breeze to whip up but also guarantee a symphony of flavors in every bite. This adopted recipe, characterized by its simplicity and delectable profile, delivers a dessert experience that’s both wonderfully sweet and delightfully sticky. Paired perfectly with a tall, cold glass of milk, these bars are destined to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars
Total Time: 47 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 30
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 32 caramels (unwrapped, a bit tedious but worth it)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 183.7
- Fat Content: 9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.4mg
- Sodium Content: 126.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 25.5g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 11.6g
- Protein Content: 2.3g
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the butter into the cookie mix in a bowl until crumbly.
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Base Layer:
- Press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan, ensuring to reserve 1 cup for later use.
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Baking Magic:
- Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 12 minutes until it turns a golden brown.
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Chocolate Infusion:
- Sprinkle the baked crust with an indulgent layer of chocolate chips.
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Caramel Elegance:
- In a saucepan, melt the caramels in the evaporated milk, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth, luscious caramel sauce.
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Assembly:
- Pour the heavenly caramel sauce over the layer of chocolate chips.
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Crumbly Crown:
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture over the caramel layer, providing a delightful textural contrast.
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Bake Again:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a symphony of sweetness.
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Cooling Symphony:
- Let the bars cool completely for approximately 1 hour, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to intensify.
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Generous Servings:
- Cut into generous-sized squares, although you have the option to cut them smaller if you prefer more servings.
These Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars, with their buttery crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, are a celebration of sweetness that can be shared with large groups or savored in smaller gatherings. The slightly time-consuming task of unwrapping caramels is a small price to pay for the decadent treat that awaits. So, gather your ingredients, recruit some help for the caramel unwrapping, and embark on a journey to create a dessert that’s not just easy but downright irresistible. Your taste buds will thank you, and these bars are sure to become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire.
