Description
Binge Bars are a decadent layered treat featuring a buttery oat crust topped with smooth melted caramel and rich milk chocolate chips, finished with a crumbly cookie topping. These bars combine the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy textures, making them an irresistible dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag (11 ounces) caramels, unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
Chocolate Layer
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Make the Crust and Base Layer: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, old fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated into a dough. Press about three-quarters of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a thin crust layer. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: While the crust is baking, place the unwrapped caramels, 3 tablespoons butter, and heavy cream into a saucepan over very low heat. Stir constantly to melt the mixture smoothly without burning. Once completely melted and smooth, immediately pour this hot caramel mixture evenly over the warm baked crust.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Cookie Crumble: Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly across the caramel layer. Then crumble the remaining quarter of the cookie dough over the top, distributing it evenly for a delicious crumbly finish.
- Bake the Final Layer: Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes to set the chocolate and cookie topping. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into bars once cooled, serve, and indulge in these sweet, layered delights perfect for any dessert craving or snack time treat.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture is cooked on very low heat and stirred constantly to prevent burning.
- Do not overbake the crust to keep it tender yet firm enough to hold the layers.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges and proper texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can substitute milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Binge Bars, caramel bars, oat bars, cookie bars, chocolate caramel dessert, layered bars, easy dessert, homemade dessert
