Oatmeal Caramel Bars
Oatmeal Caramel Bars are rich, chewy treats combining a buttery oatmeal crust with a gooey caramel layer, topped with nuts and chocolate chips. Perfect for sweet cravings or potlucks, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, quick cooking oatmeal, melted butter, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt together. Pat half of this mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk until smooth. Pour this caramel mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Top with the remaining crust mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you're out of caramels, you can substitute with a homemade caramel sauce. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds to maintain texture. Be careful not to overmix the crust mixture to keep it tender. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover oats from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal caramel bars are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a delightful addition to potlucks alongside dishes like Nancy'S Macaroni Salad, providing a sweet balance to savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Caramel Bars contains roughly 762 calories, with 9g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1168mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make gluten-free oatmeal caramel bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream. Combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of heavy cream to mimic the richness of evaporated milk. Alternatively, you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).