No-Bake Caramel Slice with Oats and Condensed Milk

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Australian no-bake caramel slice featuring a crunchy oat base topped with a smooth, buttery caramel layer made from condensed milk. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, packed (100g) brown sugar, (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 16 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang to lift out the slice easily.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes until thick and caramel-colored.
  3. Step 3: Remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup desiccated coconut, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
  5. Step 5: Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly to form the base.
  6. Step 6: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the base, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top and press gently.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate the slice for at least 3 hours or until set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Caramel Slice with Oats and Condensed Milk take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Caramel Slice with Oats and Condensed Milk?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Caramel Slice with Oats and Condensed Milk?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Caramel Slice with Oats and Condensed Milk for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Caramel Slice with Oats and Condensed Milk?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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