Chocolate Caramel Crumb Bars

This is one of Kyla's very first recipes that she shared here on the blog.  And it's so good I thought we'd
revisit it today!:)  Kyla's so busy with school, softball, church activities, track and Destination Imagination right now that she has had ZERO time to bake or cook around here.  It's probably a good thing though since she really just likes to bake & that's the last thing I need around the house since starting this new diet!:)  

I'll be explaining a little about the Dukan Diet that I'm on on my guest post this Friday over at Or So She Says.  So stay tuned for that!:)

I love me some caramel so the gooey caramel center in these coupled with the chocolate is heavenly.  Make me want to eat the whole pan kind of heavenly.  Not good for the diet!:)

Chocolate Caramel Crumb Bars

PRINT RECIPE

 2 1/4 cups flour, divided
2 cups quick-cooking oats

1/1 2 cups packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups cold butter or margarine

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans

1 jar (12 oz.) caramel ice cream topping

In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set half aside for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 9 X 13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans. Whisk the caramel topping and the remaining flour until smooth; drizzle over top. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before cutting.