A good bar recipe is just pure gold. A pan of bars is the ultimate non-fussy dessert. Perfect for a potluck or cookout, and a big pan can usually feed a crowd.
This is that kind of bar. Chocolate and caramel - you pretty much had me at hello, right?
Add in some pecans, and layer it between an oatmeal crumble crust. . . you've got a guaranteed crowd pleaser with this one!
Chocolate caramel bars!
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Why I love this recipe
These bars have all my favorite flavors in a wonderful layer between a flour-oatmeal mixture. It's an easy recipe that got even easier when I used my food processor to mix the butter into the dry ingredients.
The rich flavor of the chocolate-caramel-pecan layer is perfectly balanced by the oatmeal crumb mixture. You can cut these bars nice and small for a bite-sized snack, perfect to include on a tray of holiday goodies!
Ingredients
How to make these chocolate caramel bars
These bars are not too complicated, and if you have a food processor it's even easier. For the classic approach, mix the dry ingredients for the "dough" in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
As an updated alternative, I use a food processor. Pulse the mixture until the butter is evenly distributed. So fast and easy!
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Press half this mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. Reserve the other half for the topping.
Bake the mixture in the pan for 15 minutes. Then remove the pan and sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the hot crust.
Whisk together a little flour and caramel sauce, then drizzle it over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake the bars for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Cool for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Expert Tips/FAQ
I made an easy Instant Pot caramel sauce (dulce de leche) for this ingredient, but a jar of ice cream topping also works well. Just remember to whisk in the flour to help thicken and stabilize the caramel sauce before adding to the bars.
More Bar Recipes to try
If you want even more pecan flavor (and really, who doesn't?), check out these Pecan Pie Squares with Shortbread Crust.
For a recipe to re-purpose thanksgiving leftovers, you can't go wrong with some cranberry sauce bars.
Bars are good in any season! When you're feeling patriotic, just whip up some Red, White and Blue Berry Crumble Bars
And when you're in the mood for pumpkin, nothing's better than these old fashioned Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
📖 Recipe
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Chocolate Caramel Bars
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour all-purpose (divided)
- 2 cups oatmeal quick-cooking
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter cold (2 sticks)
- 2 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet (12 ounces)
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 12 ounces caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut the butter into cubes, then cut into the flour mixture until crumbly. -Or- use a food processor to mix well to evenly distribute the butter throughout the flour mixture.2 ¼ cups flour, 2 cups oatmeal, 1 ½ cups brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup butter
- Set half the mixture aside for the topping, then press the rest into the greased 9x13 pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the hot crust with the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup pecans
- In a bowl, whisk the caramel sauce and ¼ cup flour together until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the chocolate and nuts.12 ounces caramel sauce
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the chocolate-caramel layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Brooke
These were absolutely wonderful! I also loved the Instant Pot Caramel sauce! YUM!
Sula
You really can't go wrong with these bars!
Gina Abernathy
I am in love with this recipe and these caramel bars. The layers are to die for. Delicious!
Sula
They are easy to love!
Kayla DiMaggio
This is the perfect decadent recipe!
Sula
So true!
Natalie
This looks so delicious. I love that you used oats here. Yum! I can't wait to make this. Thanks!
Sula
Yes at least having oats in the recipe makes me feel like there's SOMETHING good for you in there. LOL
Andrea
Wow, chocolate and caramel! What a perfect treat for me! My family will love them too.
Sula
It's the perfect combination!
Anjali
These chocolate caramel bars are to die for! My kids and I made them over the weekend and they were the perfect treats to serve for dessert. Chocolatey, sweet and delicious!
Sula
Wonderful, I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Thank you for the kind review. 🙂
Ana F.
These Chocolate Caramel Bars turned out amazing! The family loved them and can't wait to make them again. Thanks for the recipe!
Sula
You're very welcome!
Jess
I love that these are made with pantry staples and deliver big on taste!
Sula
They are truly delicious!
Angela
I am always looking for cookie bars that I can make for my annual cookie bake. These bars are delicious!
Sula
They will be a hit for your cookie bake - guaranteed!
Jean
such a sweet treat! we enjoyed every bite!
Sula
Wonderful!
Brittany Fiero
This recipe is by far a crowd pleaser! Great for the holidays.
Sula
Enjoy!