Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Bars with Cream Cheese Base
These indulgent layered bars feature a tender oatmeal crust enriched with cream cheese, topped with gooey caramel and melted chocolate chips. The cream cheese adds richness to the base while keeping it soft, while the caramel and chocolate create perfect sweet contrast. Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to cut and serve. The bars set up beautifully in the refrigerator, making clean slices every time.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup quick cooking oatsold fashioned oats1:1texture
pulse in food processor first
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 12oz jar caramel
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper, spray with non stick spray
- 2
Cream together butter, brown sugar and cream cheese in standing mixer with paddle attachment
- 3
Add vanilla and mix until well combined
- 4
Add flour, oats and salt and mix just until combined
- 5
Reserve about 1/2 cup of dough mixture and set aside
- 6
Press remaining dough into prepared pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until edges are lightly golden
- 7
Mix caramel with flour and spread evenly over pre-baked crust
- 8
Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel and dot reserved dough on top
- 9
Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until top is lightly golden
- 10
Cool to room temperature, then lift from pan and place on wire rack
- 11
Refrigerate for about 1 hour to set before cutting into desired sizes
Tips
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
Don't overmix the dough once flour is added to keep bars tender.
Refrigerate the finished bars to help them set properly for neat slicing.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Store covered and cut just before serving.
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for cleanest cuts.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip chilling time or bars will be too soft to cut cleanly.
Mix caramel with flour to prevent it from being too runny.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
pulse in food processor first
FAQ
Can I use old fashioned oats instead of quick cooking?
Yes, but pulse them in a food processor a few times first to break them down slightly for better texture.
What if I don't have a 9x9 pan?
You can use an 8x8 pan for thicker bars or a 9x13 for thinner bars, adjusting bake time accordingly.
How long do these bars keep?
They keep well covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.