Caramelitas are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines layers of buttery oats, rich caramel, and melted chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating these irresistible treats in no time.
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 and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Oat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and baking soda.
- Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined and crumbly.
- Create the Base Layer:
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- While the base is baking, unwrap the caramels and place them in a medium saucepan.
- Add the whipping cream to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the Caramelitas:
- Remove the base layer from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, pressing it down gently.
- Bake and Cool:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the caramelitas cool completely in the dish before cutting into bars.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Nuts: For added crunch, consider adding ½ cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture.
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramels or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that the oats are also certified gluten-free.
- Storage: Store the caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought caramels? A: Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. Ensure it is thick enough to set properly in the bars. Use about 1 cup of homemade caramel sauce.
Q: Can I freeze caramelitas? A: Yes, you can freeze caramelitas. Allow them to cool completely, then cut into bars and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? A: Rolled oats provide a better texture for caramelitas, but you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. The texture may be slightly different.
Q: What type of chocolate chips should I use? A: You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer: semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to your caramelitas.
Q: Can I add additional toppings? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings such as coconut flakes, additional chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
Caramelitas are a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any sweet craving. With layers of buttery oats, rich caramel, and melted chocolate, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. This easy recipe allows you to create a delicious treat that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness of homemade caramelitas, and be prepared to share the recipe – everyone will be asking for it!
