Description
These Oatmeal Caramel Bars feature a golden, crumbly base with a silky caramel layer, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats, not quick oats
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce for the bars, plus 1/3 cup for drizzling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional, toasted for flavor
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips, optional for topping
- Flaky sea salt, a pinch for finishing, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9 by 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the prepared pan to form an even base.
- Spoon the caramel sauce over the crust and spread gently, adding nuts if desired.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and caramel is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and drizzle remaining caramel on hot bars; sprinkle with chocolate chips if using.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use store-bought caramel sauce for ease, or substitute with homemade dulce de leche for deeper flavor. For nut-free bars, omit nuts and increase chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: oatmeal bars, caramel dessert, easy dessert, baking recipes, sweet snacks