Oatmeal and Brown Sugar Mixture

1. 1Preheat oven to 350° and line 9X13 pan with parchment paper.
2. 2Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla then beat with a hand or stand mixer for a bit. In a separate bowl, add flour, oats, and baking soda then whisk together. Add the oat/flour mixture to the butter/ sugar mixture and mix just until combined.
3. 3Add half of the oatmeal/ brown sugar mixture to the prepared pan and push down and bake for 10-12 min (be sure to reserve the other half for the top later on).
4. 4While it bakes, make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan on medium heat combine caramels, heavy cream, and sea salt - stir until melted. This step takes a few minutes. Be sure to keep stirring so the caramels do not burn. (Alternatively- the caramel can be made in the microwave: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the caramels, cream, and salt, heat on high power in 60-second intervals to melt caramels, stirring after each 60 seconds).
5. 5Once the bottom layer is done baking, evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over then pour melted caramel sauce over chocolate chips.
6. 6Evenly crumble the rest of the oatmeal/ brown sugar mix over the top and bake for 15 more minutes.
7. 7Let them cool for at least 5 hours (I like to put them in the fridge during this time) before cutting into bars. It'll be a hot mess if you cut into them when hot!

Caramel Sauce

Filling