Caramel Crumb Bars

Deliciously sweet Caramel Crumb Bars made with a buttery oat base, gooey caramel filling, and a crumbly oat topping. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or potlucks.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Cookie Base and Crumb Topping

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
0.75 cups packed brown sugar
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.3333 cups butter, melted

Caramel Filling

14 ounces caramel bits or unwrapped chewy caramels
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
0.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-ons

0.25 cups chopped pecans toasted, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease with non-stick spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking powder. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly and well mixed.
Spread half of the oat mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Press down firmly to form a uniform base.
Bake the base for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the caramel bits with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Pour evenly over the pre-baked base.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
Return to oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the filling is set.
Cool completely on a wire rack (at least 2 hours). Use the foil overhang to lift bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares.

Notes

For best results, allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid messiness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.