Heavenly Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe

Decadent chocolate chip oat cookie bars with salted caramel have a way of making ordinary moments extraordinary.

This irresistible treat blends rich chocolate, hearty oats, and a luxurious caramel swirl that melts in your mouth.

The contrasting textures create a symphony of sweet and salty flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bar promises a delightful combination of soft, chewy goodness and indulgent caramel notes.

The hint of sea salt perfectly balances the sugary chocolate chips, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Warm from the oven or enjoyed at room temperature, these bars are the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing dessert that elevates any gathering or quiet afternoon treat.

Store Oat Bars for Grab-and-Go Treats

• Store these delectable bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilled storage helps maintain their rich texture and prevents caramel from becoming too soft.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Cut bars into uniform sizes before storing. Stack layers with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. This technique keeps each bar looking perfect and makes grab-and-go snacking super easy.
• Let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight warming helps restore the chocolate's smooth texture and enhances the caramel's gooey consistency, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients are flour, oats, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and sea salt. These components create a rich, sweet, and slightly salty flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?

This recipe contains gluten from flour and dairy from butter. It’s not gluten-free or dairy-free, so people with these restrictions should look for alternative ingredient substitutions.

• Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?

While chocolate chips add depth and richness, you can omit them or substitute with nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips for a different flavor experience.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly firm edges. The center should still look slightly soft but set. Overbaking can make the bars dry and crumbly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients to Make Salted Caramel Oat Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cookie foundation.
• Rolled Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor, perfect for rustic-style bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and create a soft, chewy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel-like depth and keeps bars moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor that complements chocolate and caramel.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender base and helps ingredients bind together.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides rich, melty chocolate pockets throughout the bars.
• Caramel Sauce: Offers gooey, indulgent sweetness and signature salted caramel profile.
• Sea Salt: Elevates flavor complexity and cuts through sweetness with subtle crunch.

Tools for Assembling Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Essential for creating perfectly sized cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps lift bars easily and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowl: Key for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing dough.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the cookie bars.
• Cooling rack: Optional for cooling bars after baking.

Layer and Bake Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

• Prepare Baking Canvas

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab an 8-inch pan and drape parchment paper inside, letting edges hang over for easy lifting later.

• Craftal Cookie Foundation

Mix flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Melt butter and blend with brown sugar and vanilla until a delightful dough forms.

• Build First Layer

Press half the dough into the pan, creating a solid base. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes to set the stage.

• Create Decadent Middle

Pull out the base and scatter chocolate chips across the surface. Drizzle caramel sauce generously, making sure every inch gets covered. Sprinkle sea salt for that knockout flavor punch.

• Crown with Crumbly Topping

Scatter remaining dough across the caramel layer, leaving some peek-a-boo spots for extra visual drama. Slide back into the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and irresistible.

• Transform and Serve

Let the bars cool completely. Lift them out using parchment edges and slice into delectable squares that’ll make mouths water.

Sweet-Salty Tips to Make Them Irresistible

• Bake these bars until the edges are lightly golden for maximum flavor and texture.
• Let caramel cool slightly before pouring to prevent burning and ensure even distribution.
• Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for 3 weeks for longer preservation.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version; use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter for plant-based option.
• Experiment with different add-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chips to create unique taste profiles.

Serve These Bars for Dessert or Snack Time

• Sweet Weekend Brunch Delight: Pair these decadent bars with a steaming cappuccino or cold milk for a luxurious morning treat that feels like pure indulgence.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for a restaurant-style presentation that wows guests.
• Ice Cream Companion: Top a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the warmth slightly melt the creamy topping for an irresistible hot-and-cold sensation.
• Gifting Gourmet: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a twine bow for a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and baking skill.

Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars blend rich flavors from classic comfort desserts. Creamy caramel and dark chocolate chunks create an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt, plus more for topping

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Dry Mixture: Combine flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration.
3. Dough Formation: Merge melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract with dry ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough develops.
4. Base Layer: Press half the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation.
5. Initial Baking: Roast the base in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes until slightly firm and golden.
6. Chocolate and Caramel Layer: Scatter chocolate chips across the partially baked base, then drizzle caramel sauce uniformly over the surface.
7. Seasoning: Sprinkle flaky sea salt to elevate the caramel’s depth and complexity.
8. Topping Application: Crumble remaining dough over the caramel, creating an artistic, slightly exposed layer.
9. Final Baking: Return to the oven for 15-20 minutes, achieving a rich, amber-toned surface.
10. Cooling and Serving: Allow complete cooling in the pan, then lift using parchment edges and slice into elegant squares ready for enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving overhanging edges for easy removal and preventing potential cookie bar breakage during extraction.
• Balance Moisture Perfectly: Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender, soft texture; mix just until ingredients combine to prevent tough, dense bars.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle flaky sea salt strategically to elevate the caramel’s richness and create a sophisticated sweet-salty flavor contrast that tantalizes taste buds.
• Control Baking Precision: Watch the bars closely during the final 15-20 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color without overcooking, ensuring a soft, chewy center with crisp edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg