Description
Binge Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery oat crust, a rich caramel middle, and a topping of melted milk chocolate chips, all baked to golden perfection. These bars combine chewy oats, smooth caramel, and creamy chocolate, making them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Crust
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag (11 ounces) caramels, unwrapped
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
Topping
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Make the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, old fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until fully combined into a dough. Press about three-quarters of this dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a thin, even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake to preserve a soft texture.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: While the crust is baking, melt together the 3 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and unwrapped caramels in a saucepan over very low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning and continue heating only until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble Caramel and Chocolate: Pour the warm, melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the caramel layer to allow them to slightly melt upon contact.
- Top with Remaining Dough and Final Bake: Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the top of the caramel and chocolate layers. Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to set all layers and cook the top crumbs to a golden finish.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy this rich and chewy dessert!
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture is melted on very low heat to avoid burning or seizing.
- Do not overbake the crust to keep it tender and chewy rather than hard and dry.
- Use salted butter to enhance the flavor balance, but unsalted butter can be used with an extra pinch of salt if preferred.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars in the refrigerator once cooled.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Binge Bars, caramel bars, oat bars, chocolate caramel dessert, layered bars, easy baking recipe, chewy dessert bars
