Caramel Peanut Bars

By CandyH

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1-1/2 cups (9 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped peanuts

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients; stir in butter. Set aside 1 cup for topping. Press remaining mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
2. In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt caramels with cream, stirring often. Sprinkle chocolate chips and peanuts over the crust; top with caramel mixture. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.