Gooey Caramel Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 cup rolled oats, the old-fashioned kind.
02 -
1 cup regular flour, all-purpose.
03 -
¾ cup packed light brown sugar.
04 -
¾ cup melted unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks).
05 -
1 teaspoon baking soda.
06 -
½ teaspoon fine salt.
07 -
1 tablespoon pure vanilla.
08 -
35 caramel candies, wrappers removed.
09 -
½ cup heavy whipping cream.
10 -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips.
# Instructions:
01 -
Set oven to 350°F and get an 8x8 pan ready by lining it with foil and spraying it lightly.
02 -
Combine melted butter with sugar and vanilla. Add oats, baking soda, flour, and salt, stirring it all together.
03 -
Take half of the mixture and press it into the pan. Let it bake for 10 minutes.
04 -
In the microwave, melt the caramels with cream in 1-minute intervals, stirring until smooth, which should take 4-5 minutes.
05 -
Scatter the chocolate over the baked base, then evenly pour the caramel sauce on top. Cover everything with the leftover oat mix.
06 -
Bake again for 15-18 minutes. Watch for bubbling in the middle and browned edges. Let it cool down completely, which can take 4 hours or until the next day.
# Notes:
01 -
Go for soft caramels for the best texture.
02 -
Wait until it's totally cool before cutting for neater bars.
03 -
Cool faster by chilling it in the fridge.