Toothacher Bars
Desserts

Toothacher Bars {My most treasured family recipe}

Toothachers

Toothacher Bars.  The name would indicate overly sweet and decadent, however these bars are so much more than that.  Chocolate, caramel, and pecans make them decadent yes, but an oatmeal crumble base and topping is what makes them spectacular!!

Toothacher Bars

Once the base of oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, soda, salt and butter are combined the mixture is pressed into the bottom of a 9×13 pan, reserving about 1/3 for the top.  Warm caramel is poured slowly over the mixture and then topped with chocolate chips and chopped pecans.  A final crumble of the remaining mixture is sprinkled on top and then baked for 20 minutes. 

Toothacher Bars

When these bars come out of the oven you’ll have all you can do to hold your family back while they set up.  The topping becomes crispy and buttery with a hint of salty sweet goodness. 

Toothacher Bars

Once fully cooled these bars cut nicely and ship beautifully.  They are a wonderful holiday gift.  Remember…Toothachers.  Don’t feel bad about cutting them on the smaller size.  You’ll find 1 1/2″ squares are just right and are sure to delight!

Toothacher Bars
Toothacher Bars

Toothacher Bars {My most treasured family recipe}

Nana Hall (Libby’s Grandmother)
Chocolate, caramel, and pecans make them decadent yes, but an oatmeal crumble base and topping is what makes them spectacular!!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 1/8 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/8 cup butter 2 sticks + 2 Tbl., melted
  • 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 40 caramels
  • 5 Tbl. milk
  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In microwave safe bowl, combine caramels with milk and microwave on high until completely melted, stirring at 30 second intervals, about 2 minutes.
  • In large bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, butter, salt, and baking soda. Mixture will be thick and stiff.
  • Press 2/3 of mixture into bottom of 9×13 pan. Pour melted caramel over top and spread evenly. Sprinkle on chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
  • Crumble remaining oat mixture over top and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

9 Comments

  • http://www.ionicbathfootdetox.com/

    Thanks NJ hope to get down there sometime. Wine bar sounds cool, would they mind if I brought some scotch. Wine just puts me to sleep.Know some folks just came down your way from here to live, I’m sure they are like pigs in sh*t. Five more years then I’m out of here, last one out of school. Not sure where I’ll go but it’s out of NJ.

  • Beverley

    5 stars
    I had to do the same after seeing them on your FB page…yes they are spectacular and decadent down to the last crumb. I used to make something similar but it didn’t have that most divine topping….oatmeal pkt here I come xoxo

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