Indulge in Decadence: Caramelitas Recipe
Satisfy your sweet cravings with our irresistible Caramelitas recipe. These decadent bars are the perfect combination of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and buttery oatmeal cookie crust. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat for a cozy night in or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, these Caramelitas are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these indulgent bars in no time. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these mouthwatering treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ~10 oz bag of baking caramels
- ¾ cup melted butter
- ½ cup whipping cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir until well combined. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press Into Pan: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: While the crust is baking, unwrap the baking caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the whipping cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Layer Caramel and Chocolate: Once the crust is baked, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top With Remaining Oat Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top of the caramel layer, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the Caramelitas to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into bars.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the Caramelitas into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, stir chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the oat mixture before pressing it into the baking dish.
- Use Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, to customize the flavor of your Caramelitas.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra chocolatey touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Caramelitas before serving.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels? A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels. Simply pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips in the baking dish before topping with the remaining oat mixture.
Q: Can I freeze Caramelitas? A: Yes, you can freeze Caramelitas for up to 3 months. Once cooled and sliced, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen bars to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container for storage.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make gluten-free Caramelitas by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute almond flour and coconut flour for the all-purpose flour and rolled oats, and use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of the brown sugar. Replace the baking caramels with a keto-friendly caramel sauce made with sugar-free sweeteners, and use sugar-free chocolate chips.
Low-Carb Version:
To reduce the carb content of this recipe, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and a sugar-free sweetener in place of the brown sugar. Opt for a low-carb caramel sauce and sugar-free chocolate chips to keep the carb count low.
In conclusion, our Caramelitas recipe is a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its layers of buttery oatmeal cookie crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re craving a comforting indulgence or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special occasion, these Caramelitas are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of decadence with this irresistible recipe!
