If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, chewy, and rich, look no further than this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars combine the wholesome heartiness of oats with pockets of gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips, all enhanced by just the right sprinkle of sea salt. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form—whether you want a comforting snack or a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars deliver every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe truly exceptional. Each element serves a purpose, from creating the chewy oat texture to balancing sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Melted to bring rich creaminess and help bind the bars together perfectly.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds natural molasses notes and moisture for that chewy bite.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and a bit of structure to the bars.
- Large eggs (2): Act as a binder while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances and rounds out all the sweet flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone that holds everything together.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift ensuring a light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Old-fashioned oats (2 cups): Bring hearty texture and a satisfying chewiness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout.
- Caramel bits or soft caramel candies (1 cup chopped): Deliver those luscious gooey bursts of caramel flavor.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon, for sprinkling): The final touch to really elevate and contrast the sweet elements.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This simple step is a game-changer because it makes lifting the bars out after baking super easy without any mess or breakage.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they form a smooth, glossy mixture. Then stir in the eggs and vanilla extract. This creates a rich and sweet base that’s full of flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Oats, Chocolate, and Caramel
Now comes the fun part: folding in the old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and chopped caramel bits. This mix is the heart of the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe, blending textures and flavors that are as exciting as they are comforting.
Step 5: Spread the Dough into the Pan
Spoon the dough into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. You want an even layer so each bite delivers the perfect balance of chewy oats, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and the top to have a golden-brown hue. Keep a close eye towards the end so they don’t overbake—gooey and chewy is the goal, not dry.
Step 7: Add the Sea Salt and Cool
Right after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the bars. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds that addictive savory note. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow them to set properly.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the whole slab from the pan. Cut into squares—or whatever shape you desire—and get ready to indulge in a slice of delight!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt right before serving can really drive home the sweet-and-salty magic. For a festive twist, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top—it’s an easy way to dress them up.
Side Dishes
These bars are solo superstars, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes them an irresistible dessert duo. A cup of strong coffee or warm tea elevates the experience and balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these bars in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and crushed cookies or break them into chunks to use as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls. For parties, stack bite-sized squares on a decorative platter to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This preserves their chewy texture and gooey caramel pockets perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, briefly microwave a bar for about 10 seconds or pop it into a warm oven for 5 minutes. This softens the chocolate and caramel, making every bite just as dreamy as the first.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, old-fashioned oats provide a chewier, heartier texture that’s signature to these bars. Using quick oats might result in a softer, less textured bar.
What if I don’t have caramel bits? Can I use something else?
If caramel bits aren’t available, chopped soft caramel candies are an excellent substitute. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they melt evenly without overwhelming the bars.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level more precisely, but if salted butter is all you have, reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-salting.
How can I make these bars more crunchy?
To boost crunch, you can toast the oats lightly before adding them or mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Keep in mind this will add extra texture and flavor dimensions.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The bars as written use all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels personal and special every single time you make it. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, the combination of buttery oats, luscious caramel, melty chocolate, and that sprinkle of sea salt is nothing short of magic. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share the joy—these bars are destined to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars combine the chewy texture of oats with gooey caramel and rich chocolate chips, topped with a hint of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. These bars are baked to golden perfection and make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Oats and Mix-ins: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. Be careful not to overbake.
- Add Sea Salt: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top of the bars. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For softer bars, slightly underbake and let them cool completely before cutting.
- Caramel bits can be substituted with chopped soft caramel candies for a gooier texture.
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Sprinkling sea salt while hot enhances the salted caramel flavor beautifully.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
