CARAMEL-CHOCOLATE OAT BARS

Caramel-Chocolate Oat Bars image

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Time 50m

Yield 16-20 bars (approx)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (18 ounce) package yellow cake mix or 1 (18 ounce) package white cake mix
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 large egg
1 cup smucker's caramel ice cream topping (use one 12.25-ounce jar)
3 tablespoons flour
1 (16 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup pecans

Steps:

Set oven to 350 degrees.
Set oven rack to second-lowest position.
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
For the crust; in a large bowl mix together the cake mix with oatmeal, brown sugar and cinnamon.
In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice and egg until well blended; add to the oat mixture, using clean hands combine the ingredients until mixture barely holds together.
Sprinkle two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan; pat down with hands to spread evenly.
Bake for 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle the partially baked crust with chocolate chips then nuts.
For the filling; in a bowl combine combine the caramel topping with 3 tablespoons flour; blend well, then drizzle over the chocolate and nuts.
Sprinkle with remaining oat topping, then gently press the oat mixture down slightly.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is lightly browned).
Let stand to cool enough to refrigerate, then chill.
Slice into squares or bars.