Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

Looking to impress with a treat that’s gooey, sweet, and a little salty? Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars deliver the perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining the richness of chocolate with the buttery smoothness of caramel. With layers of oats, chocolate chips, and salted caramel, these bars are as satisfying as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: These cookie bars are straightforward and simple, great for beginner bakers.
2. Rich Flavor: The combination of oats, chocolate, and caramel makes every bite a delight.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, potlucks, or as an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Oat Cookie Layer:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Chip and Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 cup (200g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20cm) baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to easily lift the bars out after baking.

Step 2: Make the Oat Cookie Base

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

1. Press half of the oat cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Reserve the other half.
2. Bake the base for 10 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Caramel

1. Remove the base from the oven and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips.
2. Pour caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, spreading evenly to cover the surface.
3. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect salted caramel taste.

Step 5: Top and Bake Again

1. Crumble the remaining oat dough over the caramel layer, leaving some spots exposed for a gooey, layered effect.
2. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut them into squares or bars.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

1. Homemade Caramel: If you want to make it extra special, consider using homemade caramel.
2. Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking will keep the bars soft and chewy.
3. Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to these bars.

Storage

Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are a great go-to dessert for any occasion. They’re deliciously chewy, with just the right balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, these bars are sure to satisfy every craving.

Serving Tips

• Serve Warm: For the ultimate gooey texture, serve the bars slightly warm. The chocolate chips will be melted, and the caramel will be extra soft.
• Add Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top makes these bars even more indulgent.
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel or Chocolate: For added presentation and flavor, drizzle a bit of warm caramel or chocolate sauce over each bar just before serving.
• Top with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers can help keep them from sticking together.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll have a slightly chewier texture when chilled.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to get that fresh-baked texture.

These bars retain their flavor and texture well, making them an ideal treat to bake in advance for parties or as a quick dessert option!

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can substitute quick oats for rolled oats in this recipe. However, the texture may be slightly softer and less chewy, as rolled oats provide a heartier texture. Avoid instant oats, as they can make the bars too dense.

2. How can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?

To make homemade caramel sauce, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture simmer until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat, then carefully whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth. Let it cool slightly before using in the recipe.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, as some baking products may contain traces of gluten.

4. How do I keep the bars from becoming too hard?

To keep your bars soft and chewy, avoid overbaking. Additionally, store them in an airtight container with a small piece of bread (like you would with cookies) to help maintain moisture. If they become too firm, warm individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

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