Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

These rich, gooey bars are my most requested treats. They're popular at school functions, family barbecues and picnics. We like them alone or topped off with a scoop of ice cream.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

Average Rating: 4.818181

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
YIELD: about 4-1/2 dozen.

Ingredients

  • 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups cold butter, cubed
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 jar (12 ounces) caramel ice cream topping

Instructions

  • 1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set half aside for topping.
  • 2. Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and pecans.
  • 3. Whisk caramel topping and remaining flour until smooth; drizzle over top. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before cutting.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 156 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.