Caramel Oat Bar Mix
In Boise, Idaho, Jennifer Jensen keeps a big batch of this oat mixture on hand, so she can bake these rich treats in a hurry. The moist bars get extra sweetness from caramel ice cream topping and chocolate chips.60 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Bake: 35 min.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups shortening
- ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (12 ounces) hot caramel ice cream topping
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients; cut in shortening
- until crumbly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place
- for up to 6 months. Yield: 2 batches (about 8 cups total).
- To prepare bars: Contents of mix may settle during storage. When
- preparing recipe, spoon mix into measuring cup. Place 4 cups of oat
- mix in a bowl. Add butter; mix until blended. Reserve 1-1/4 cups.
- Press remaining mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.
- Bake at 375° for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
- Sprinkle chips over crust. Drizzle with caramel topping; carefully
- spread caramel to within 1/4-in. of edges. Sprinkle with reserved
- oat mixture.
- Bake 18-22 minutes longer or until golden brown and filling is bubbly