Decadent Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars: Your Ultimate Gooey Dessert Recipe
Every baker has those days when things just don’t go according to plan. For me, recently, it was my third cookie fail in my ongoing 30-day cookie series. We’re talking about blondie bars that decided to take a dive, sinking faster than my old flip phone in the deep end of the pool (a true, albeit slightly embarrassing, story from my past). I’m convinced it was a baking soda miscalculation, but the result was undeniably 0% blog-worthy. However, not all kitchen mishaps are destined for the trash bin. In fact, sometimes, a failed experiment can spark an idea for something truly spectacular. And that’s precisely how these incredible Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars came into existence, instantly making me forget all about my previous blonde-bar blunder.
These revel bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re a testament to sweet redemption. Born from a need to banish bad baking memories, they emerged from the oven as a triumph of textures and flavors. Picture this: a rich, chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie base and topping, encasing a luxurious, melting layer of chocolate and caramel. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
The Sweet Inspiration: Using Up Those Holiday Sweets
With Halloween not too far behind, I still had a lingering stash of candy. Instead of letting it sit there, tempting me with its singular charm, I decided to put it to good use. Specifically, I grabbed a bag of Rolo caramels, those delightful little nuggets of chocolate-covered caramel, and knew they would be the perfect gooey surprise for the center of these bars. The beauty of these revel bars lies in their layered construction, which makes them incredibly versatile for incorporating your favorite treats. The rich, soft chocolate chip oatmeal dough isn’t just delicious; it’s structurally perfect, providing a sturdy yet tender foundation to hold together these sinfully sweet layers of chocolate and caramel.
The combination of classic oatmeal cookie dough with the unexpected burst of caramel and melty chocolate chips creates an experience that’s far beyond a simple cookie. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of chewiness from the oats, the rich depth of chocolate, and the buttery sweetness of caramel. It’s a comfort food elevated, a dessert that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new.
A Symphony of Textures and Flavors
When these Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars come out of the oven, they might look deceptively under-baked because of all that luscious, gooey center. But trust me, that’s exactly what you want! That molten chocolate and caramel core is the heart of what makes these bars so irresistible. The slight give when you press them gently, the way the layers hold together yet yield with every bite – it’s a testament to their perfect doneness. Don’t let that magnificent gooeyness fool you into thinking they need more time; it’s their signature charm. Just imagine, a warm square of this heavenly creation, dipped into a cold glass of milk. Oh my goodness, in that moment, you might as well forget that calories exist. Because when something tastes this good, it’s a pure moment of bliss.
The thoughtful blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips in the recipe ensures a balanced chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet but still delivers that classic, comforting profile. The quick oats contribute a wonderful chewiness and a wholesome texture that perfectly complements the decadent filling, making each bite incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dessert that satisfies every craving, whether you’re a chocolate lover, a caramel enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates a well-made bar cookie.
Baking Tips for Revel Bar Perfection
Crafting these Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars is a straightforward process, but a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time. First, always start with softened butter. This is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture when creaming it with the sugars. Room temperature butter incorporates air more effectively, leading to a tenderer bar. Don’t rush this step; cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy for about 30 seconds on medium speed. The addition of vanilla extract and eggs next helps to bind everything together, adding richness and moisture to the dough.
When adding the dry ingredients – baking soda, all-purpose flour, and quick oats – mix until just combined. Overmixing flour can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough bars. We want tender, chewy revel bars! The quick oats are fantastic here because they integrate seamlessly into the dough, providing texture without being overwhelmingly chunky. Finally, the layering technique is what truly defines a revel bar. Spreading half the dough on the bottom, layering generously with your chocolate chips and Rolo candies, and then carefully spreading the remaining dough on top creates that beautiful, multi-dimensional treat. Don’t worry if the top layer isn’t perfectly smooth; a slightly rustic look adds to the homemade charm. These are truly an easy bar recipe that yields impressive results.
Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe to bring these delightful Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars to life in your kitchen. This is a wonderfully satisfying recipe, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars
Recipe Source: Design Eat Repeat
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened i.e. 2 sticks
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups quick oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 12 Rolo candies chopped
Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
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In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter (1 cup, i.e., 2 sticks), light brown sugar (1 ½ cups), and granulated sugar (½ cup) with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add in vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons) and eggs (2 large) and continue to mix for 10 seconds.
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Add baking soda (1 teaspoon) and mix on low speed for 10 seconds. Add all-purpose flour (2 ½ cups) and quick oats (2 ½ cups), and continue to mix until all flour is incorporated.
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Add in the 1 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough and mix for 10 seconds on low speed.
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Grease an 9×13 pan and evenly spread half of the cookie dough mixture on the bottom of the pan. Next, evenly layer the 1 cup of milk chocolate chips & Rolo candies on top of the cookie dough. Spread the remaining half of the cookie dough on top of the chocolate chips.
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Bake at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool completely before cutting. If not serving immediately, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Nutrition
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars are perfect as is, they also lend themselves beautifully to customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of candy for the gooey center. Imagine chopped Snickers bars for a nutty caramel twist, or peanut butter cups for a rich peanut butter chocolate revelation. For a seasonal touch, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the caramel flavor, or a dash of peppermint extract to the dough for a holiday-themed treat. You can also mix in different types of nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, into the oatmeal dough for added crunch and flavor complexity.
Serving these bars offers a range of possibilities. They are absolutely divine served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that melts into the gooey center. For a classic experience, a cold glass of milk, as mentioned, is the perfect companion. These bars are also fantastic for potlucks, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Cut them into smaller squares for a party tray, or larger portions for a truly indulgent dessert. The fact that they store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if they last that long!) or can be frozen for longer enjoyment makes them an ideal make-ahead treat. I’m a little bit tempted to pull these out of the freezer right now. Okay, a lot tempted. They’re simply that good!
Final Thoughts & Your Feedback Matters!
Some recipes are just so incredibly delicious that it’s hard to find enough words to describe their magic without sounding overly enthusiastic. These Chocolate Caramel Layered Revel Bars fall squarely into that category. All I truly want to do is gush endlessly about their perfect gooey texture, their rich chocolate, and the irresistible caramel pockets. So, I’ll do you a favor and stop myself right now from completely over-describing their deliciousness. Partly because I could talk about them forever, but mainly because they’re quite literally calling my name from the freezer.
I sincerely hope you give this recipe a try and let these amazing bars turn any ordinary day into a celebration. They are truly a revelation! If you do, please remember to share your experience. Leaving a review and rating not only helps my small business thrive but also provides valuable feedback for other bakers in our community. Your support allows me to continue sharing free, high-quality recipes and content, so thank you in advance!
Happy baking, and enjoy every decadent bite of these irresistible chocolate caramel revel bars!