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Homemade Caramel Bars

These homemade caramel bars feature a buttery oat crust, a rich and gooey caramel filling, and a golden crumb topping. They're the perfect dessert for holidays, bake sales, family gatherings, or whenever you're craving a sweet treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
rest time 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Crust & Crumble Topping
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Filling
  • 11 ounces soft caramel candies unwrapped
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt optional
Optional Toppings
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Flaky sea salt for garnish

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Step 1
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  3. Step 2
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.
  5. Step 3
  6. Mix in the flour, oats, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until crumbly.
  7. Step 4
  8. Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  9. Step 5
  10. Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, until it is lightly golden.
  11. Step 6
  12. Meanwhile, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and optional sea salt.
  13. Step 7
  14. Pour the warm caramel evenly over the baked crust.
  15. Step 8
  16. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
  17. Step 9
  18. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the top.
  19. Step 10
  20. Bake for another 18–22 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden.
  21. Step 11
  22. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.