Oatmeal Caramel Bites

I adore these Oatmeal Caramel Bites—they’re chewy, caramel-filled oat bars that blend hearty oats with sweet, gooey caramel. They’re bite-sized delights perfect for satisfying a snack craving without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bites combine wholesome oats with rich caramel in a chewy, satisfying bar. They’re portable, easy to make, and perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a sweet bite with coffee. Plus, they require minimal ingredients and little effort!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rolled oats

• All-purpose flour

• Brown sugar

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Caramel sauce or soft caramel candies, chopped

• Optional: sea salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, I stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

3. I whisk melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl, then pour into the oat mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

4. I press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base.

5. I drizzle caramel sauce or arrange chopped soft caramel candies evenly over the base layer.

6. I drop the remaining dough in small clumps over the caramel, gently pressing to cover but still leave a bit of texture.

7. If I like a sweet-salty contrast, I sprinkle a little sea salt over the top.

8. I bake for 18–22 minutes, until the top is golden and the caramel is bubbling slightly at the edges.

9. I let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into bite-sized squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 16–20 bites

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Bake Time: 18–22 minutes

• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Nutty upgrade: I stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat mixture for crunch.

• Chocolate drizzle: I drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled bars for extra richness.

• Peanut butter swirl: I swirl creamy peanut butter into the caramel layer before baking for a nutty twist.

• Coconut oat bites: I mix in shredded coconut with the oats for tropical flavor.

• Apple-caramel version: I fold in finely diced, lightly sautéed apples into the base layer for fruity warmth.

Storage/Reheating

I store cooled bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For softer caramel, I warm individual bites in the microwave for 5–7 seconds before enjoying—they get extra chewy and gooey again.

FAQs

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?

I press the base firmly and scatter the top dough just enough to cover it; that helps keep the caramel sealed inside while baking.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes—I often use thick caramel sauce or chopped soft caramel candies—both work beautifully and save time.

Are these gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, I swap the flour for a certified gluten-free blend and ensure the oats are labeled gluten-free.

Can I freeze these bites?

Absolutely—I freeze layers of bites separated by parchment in a container. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

How do I know when they’re done?

I bake them until the top edges are golden and the caramel bubbles slightly. After cooling, they should hold their shape but remain chewy.

Conclusion

These Oatmeal Caramel Bites are one of my favorite easy homemade treats. With chewy oats and indulgent caramel, they hit the sweet spot without requiring elaborate baking. Whether I make them for snacks, gifts, or a cozy dessert, they’re a tasty and comforting pick that always disappears fast.