No Eggs, No Problem: These Oatmeal Carmelita Bars Are Irresistibly Gooey

You won't believe that these bars have no eggs. They're so soft and gooey! This is all you'll need to make a 8 x 8 pan (although you'll probably want to double it!):

Photo byAverie

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup salted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup toffee bits heath bar is what I use
• 6 ounces caramel kraft bits, homemade or from the jar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• Flaked sea salt for topping

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the salt, baking soda, flour, and oats, mixing until everything is combined.

Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, then bake for 8 minutes.

While the bottom layer bakes, melt the caramel and cream together in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until smooth.

When the bottom layer is done, remove it from the oven and immediately top it with chocolate chips and toffee bits. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top.

Spoon dollops of the remaining dough over the caramel layer, without worrying about spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-17 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.

Remove the bars from the oven and sprinkle them with flaky salt.

For best results, allow the bars to cool and set for a few hours before cutting and serving, then enjoy!

Storage: Oatmeal carmelita toffee bars can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. For advance preparation, make the bars the night before to allow them time to fully set.

These bars also freeze well. You can prepare the entire batch, cover, and freeze it for later, or freeze individual bars in an airtight container or ziplock bag for a quick treat.