These chocolate caramel bars are my signature dessert. I get asked to bring these to parties and gatherings. They’re so good that you’ll want to make a double batch!
In honor of my birthday that just passed, I wanted to share my signature dish with you. It’s the dessert that I am best known for and the item most requested when I am invited to a party or potluck.
I don’t exactly remember where this recipe came from, but I believe that one my childhood neighbors made these and was kind enough to share the recipe with my mom. If you are the nice neighbor or friend who gave us this recipe, please let me know so I can credit you properly!
Just a fair warning that these are very rich bars. The crumb layers on the top and bottom effectively balance out the gooeyness of the caramel and chocolate interior. You might need a napkin or two…and a nap afterwards! I wouldn’t be surprised if these bars disappeared from your house within an hour. In fact, these bars were gobbled up within 15 minutes at a party we attended last weekend. And a friend of mine recently described these as “heaven in a bar.” Are you tempted yet?
Try these bars today, and who knows–they may soon become your signature dessert! Oh, and if you are wondering what I did on my birthday, I took the day off and baked, skated and shopped. All in all, it was a perfect day!
Chocolate caramel bars
Ingredients
- 38 caramels I use Kraft, but you can certainly use homemade
- 6 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup chocolate chips I use semi-sweet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Generously grease or line a standard 8" x 8" baking pan and set aside.
- Unwrap the caramels and place into a small saucepan. Add cream and melt both over low to medium heat. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt, soda, oatmeal, sugar and butter (you can use a stand or hand mixer if you don't want to get your hands dirty).
- Pat half of the flour mixture into your prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven, then pour the melted caramel mixture over baked crust; then sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Crumble the rest of the flour mixture over the chips and bake an additional 20 minutes.
these look like heaven. HEAVEN! i want to make these my signature dish, too!hope you had a fabulous birthday! xx
Wow…these are perfect for everyday and especially your birthday!! Hope it was awesome!!!!
Ohhh my – These looks like they would knock anyone's socks off. I can see why they would be your signature dish! Hope you had a great birthday!
Hope you had a great birthday! I think I need these in my life…
These look sooooo good! Can you send some my way?
I hope you had a great birthday! These chocolate caramel bars look wonderful–I love your photo!
I love chocolate and caramel-these look so delicious!
Happy Belated Birthday!! 🙂 These bars look dangerous…. sooo yummy!! The denser, richer, more decadent – the better for me!
I made these for a pot luck yesterday and they were AMAZING!! Everyone loved them and there were several recipe requests. They may also be the hubby's new favorite sweet! 🙂