Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Lining your pan is highly recommended for ease of cleanup due to the stickiness of the caramel; set pan aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until smooth.

Step 3

add egg + yolk, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.

Step 4

Add the flour, oats, baking soda, pinch salt, and stir until combined. Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips.

Step 5

Add 2/3 of mixture to the prepared pan (just eyeball it), and smooth it with spatula or the back of a spoon, to create an even, smooth, flat layer; set remainder aside.

Step 6

Bake for 10 minutes. While it bakes, make the caramel sauce.

Step 7

In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the caramels, cream, butter, salt, and heat on high power in 60-second bursts to melt caramels, stirring after each burst.

Step 8

After 10 minutes, remove pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle with the remaining chocolate and nuts (if using).

Step 9

Slowly and evenly pour caramel sauce over the chocolate.

Step 10

Evenly crumble reserved oatmeal-brown sugar mixture over the top. Return pan to oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and center is bubbling slightly.