Gooey Caramel and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

These bars are so yummy and addicting. The good news you only need a little to satisfy that sweet tooth. The bad news is they are difficult to stop at just one.

Not my photo. I don't know the source.

Gooey Caramel and Chocolate Oat bars

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted

1 (14-oz) bag caramels (48) or a bag and a half of the little caramel balls

1/2 cup whipping cream (I have used milk when I don't want to buy the cream)

1 (12-oz) package chocolate chips, your choice

In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients to form a crumbly mixture.  Sprinkle half of crumbly mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan.  Bake at 350 F for 10 to 15 minutes.  Unwrap caramels.  Melt caramels and whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat.  Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked mixture and top with melted caramel mixture.  Sprinkle remaining crumbly mixture on top.  Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes.  Make a day ahead or several hours ahead to allow time for caramel to set.