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Caramel Oatmeal Bars

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes cooling)
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful and chewy bar featuring a buttery oatmeal base layered with rich homemade caramel—a perfect treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.
  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Pour melted butter over dry mixture and mix until crumbly.
  4. Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until caramel thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Pour caramel over crust in the pan, spreading evenly.
  7. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
  9. Let cool completely in pan (at least 1 hour) before cutting into bars.

Notes

  • Use rolled oats for best texture; quick oats will result in a softer bar.
  • To enhance flavor, stir in ½ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the oat layer.
  • Chill fully before slicing for clean edges; wipe knife between cuts.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
  • Freeze cooled bars up to 2 months for make-ahead convenience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of pan)
  • Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
  • Sugar: Approx. 20 g
  • Sodium: Approx. 90 mg
  • Fat: Approx. 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: Approx. 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 32 g
  • Fiber: Approx. 1 g
  • Protein: Approx. 3 g
  • Cholesterol: Approx. 25 mg