Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars
These Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bars feature a chewy oat base layered with melted caramels and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly sweet, crisp, and nostalgic—a crowd-pleaser for holiday trays or any dessert table.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz package Kraft® caramels (approximately 48 pieces)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup margarine melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 6 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel Mixture:
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels and water. Stir frequently until the caramels have completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Create the Oat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, quick-cooking oats, brown sugar, melted margarine, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a uniform, crumbly texture is achieved. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping.
Assemble the Base:
- Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan to form a firm base.
First Bake:
- Bake the base for 10 minutes to set slightly.
Add the Chocolate and Caramel Layers:
- Remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot base. Drizzle the prepared caramel mixture over the top, spreading it gently if needed.
Apply the Topping and Final Bake:
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool slightly. Cut into 2x1-inch portions while still slightly warm, or wait until completely cool for cleaner cuts.
Notes
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and ensure your quick-cooking oats are certified gluten-free. Double-check the label on your caramels and chocolate chips to confirm they are processed in a gluten-free facility.