Chocolate Butterscotch Caramel Bars

Are you looking for a sweet and gooey bar dessert?  These are the perfect answer.  I saved this recipe and thought about making it for months.  When I finally made these they disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

 1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup quick oats

¾  cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil melted

1 13.5 ounce can dulce de leche

1 cup peanuts (I skipped the peanuts so my son with a nut allergy could enjoy these)

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Note: You can use different types of chips to match your craving: chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate, dark chocolate, etc…

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil and spray with baking spray.
2. Mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor.  Pour the melted extra virgin coconut oil around the processor.  Pulse to combine until mixture comes together. 
3. Sprinkle the mixture into the two pans and press down slightly.
4. Bake until light golden brown on top for 30 minutes.  Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.
5. Spoon the dulce de leche into a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 45 seconds to soften. 
6. Gently pour and spread over the oatmeal base using an offset spatula. 
7. Sprinkle a layer of peanuts (if using nuts) and press gently into the caramel.
8. Sprinkle on the butterscotch chips and mini chocolate chips.
9. The warmth from the caramel should soften the chocolate chips.  If needed pop the pan into the oven for 30 seconds.
10. Chill the bars for 2-3 hours to make them easy to slice.  Remove them from the pan and place on a cutting board.  Use a long-serrated knife to cut into small squares.  (These are rich!)
11. Serve cold or at room temperature.
12. Enjoy!