Gooey Caramel Chocolate Bars *

 Crust:

1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 eggs

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Filling:

1 bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped

1/4 cup butter

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Topping:

1/2 cup reserved cake mix

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

3 Tbsp butter, softened

Heat oven to 350.  Reserve 1/2 cup cake mix for topping.  In large bowl, beat remaining cake mix, 1/2 cup butter, and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed until dough forms.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Spread in ungreased 13x9 pan. Bake 14-18 minutes or until set.  Meanwhile, in saucepan, heat caramels, 1/4 cup butter, and the milk over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth.  If it begins boiling, turn heat down slightly as the milk may begin to burn.  Spread caramel filling evenly over partially baked crust.  In a small bowl, mix reserved 1/2 cup cake mix, oats, and 3 Tbsp butter with fork until crumbly.  Sprinkle over caramel filling.  Bake 18-22 minutes longer or until top is set.  Cool completely, about 2 hours.  Run knife around sides of pan to loosen bars.  

Makes 36 bars