Caramel-Chocolate Oat Squares Recipe

Caramel-Chocolate Oat Squares Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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In the summer, we often have weekend guests who go boating with us. These sweet, chewy bars are the perfect treat to take along. Since I can use my microwave to prepare a batch, I don't have to heat up the oven--and my kitchen. -Kellie Ochsner, Newton, Iowa

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Caramel-Chocolate Oat Squares Recipe

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Yield: 16 Servings

30 30

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
24 caramels
1/4 cup milk
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Directions

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat butter, uncovered, on high for 20-30 seconds or until softened. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt; stir into butter until blended.
Set a third of the mixture aside for topping. Press remaining mixture onto the bottom of an 8-in. square microwave-safe dish. Cook, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes or until crust is raised and set (crust will be uneven), rotating a half turn after each minute.
In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, heat the caramels and milk, uncovered, on high for 1 minute or until melted and smooth, stirring every minute. Sprinkle chips and nuts if desired over crust. Pour caramel mixture over all.
Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press down lightly. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2-3 minutes or until the caramel is bubbly, rotating a quarter turn every minute. Cool before cutting. Yield: 16 servings.

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 piece) equals 284 calories, 14 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 207 mg sodium, 40 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Originally published as Caramel-Chocolate Oat Squares in Quick Cooking September/October 1999, p31