Caramel Peanut Bars

1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1-1/2 cups (9 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped peanuts

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients; stir in butter. Set aside 1 cup for topping. Press remaining mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt caramels with cream, stirring often. Sprinkle chocolate chips and peanuts over the crust; top with caramel mixture. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.