Caramel Peanut Bears

Oh so yummy, they taste like candy bars!

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄4 cups brown sugar, packed
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup butter or 3⁄4 cup margarine, melted
• 1 (14 ounce) package  caramels
• 1⁄2 cup  whipping cream
• 1 1⁄2 cups  semi-sweet chocolate chips (9 ounces)
• 3⁄4 cup peanuts, chopped

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the first five ingreadiaents; stir in butter.
2. Set aside 1 cup for topping.
3. Press remaining mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-ins. x 2-in. baking pan.
4. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, combine caramels and cream in a heavy saucepan or microwave safe bowl.
6. Cook over low heat or microwave until melted, stirring often.
7. Sprinkle chocolate chips and peanuts over the crust; top with caramel mixture.
8. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
10. Cool completely before cutting.