Irresistible Oatmeal Caramel Bites – Gooey, Chewy, and Loaded with Chocolate!

Craving a dessert that’s quick, indulgent, and packed with comforting flavors? Look no further than these Oatmeal Caramel Bites – a dreamy combo of chewy oats, melted chocolate, and luscious caramel, all topped with a touch of sea salt to bring everything together in one magical bite! Perfect for potlucks, lunchbox treats, or simply spoiling yourself at the end of a long day.

 Ingredients:

For the crust & topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned style)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the filling:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional but highly recommended!)

Optional Add-In: Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup) for added crunch!

Directions – Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the oat mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed.

3. Form the base:

Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Add chocolate and caramel:

Remove the pan from the oven. While the crust is still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over it. Pour the caramel sauce slowly and evenly over the chocolate, letting it melt into all the corners.

5. Add topping and bake again:

Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the caramel layer – don’t worry about covering every spot completely. Return to the oven and bake for 20 more minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling slightly.

Cool & Finish:

Let the bars cool completely before cutting – the caramel needs time to set. Once cooled, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweetness with a gourmet finish.

Cut into small squares or bite-sized bars and store in an airtight container. They’re just as delicious cold as they are at room temp!

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Super Easy – Mix, layer, and bake. No mixer required.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for storing and gifting.
• Crowd Pleaser – Perfect for parties, bake sales, or school treats.
• Customizable – Add nuts, swap chocolates, or swirl with peanut butter.

Pro Tips:

• Use parchment paper for easy lift-out and cleaner cuts.
• Warm them up slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an out-of-this-world dessert.
• Drizzle with extra caramel or melted chocolate for dramatic presentation.