Caramelitas are rich, gooey bars layered with a buttery oat crust, creamy caramel, chocolate chips, and a crumbly oat topping. These indulgent treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple weekend dessert. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, caramelitas are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Caramelitas :
- Rich and Decadent: The combination of caramel, chocolate, and a buttery oat crust creates the ultimate dessert experience.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these bars a breeze to whip up.
- Perfect for Sharing: Slice them into bars for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
Ingredients :
For the Oat Mixture:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
- 38 caramels, unwrapped (1 bag; 11 ounces)
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Caramelitas :
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Oat Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is just combined.
- Spoon half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press it evenly into the bottom and corners to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy whipping cream.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the caramels are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- Once the crust is done baking, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.
- Pour the warm caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, spreading it gently to cover them.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, ensuring it covers the top evenly.
Step 5: Bake
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow the caramelitas to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles for serving.
Storage Instructions :
- At Room Temperature: Store caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place bars in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Perfect Caramelitas :
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the caramelitas cool completely before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and keeps cleanup simple.
- Cool Butter Before Mixing: Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients to achieve the best dough texture.
- Stir Constantly: When making the caramel sauce, stir it constantly to prevent burning.
- Press Crust Firmly: Press the bottom crust into the edges and corners of the pan to create a sturdy base for the layers.
FAQs About Caramelitas :
1. Can I Use Homemade Caramel Instead of Store-Bought?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used in place of store-bought caramels. Ensure it has a thick, creamy consistency similar to the melted caramel mixture.
2. Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned Oats?
Old-fashioned oats are recommended for their texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. The bars may have a slightly softer texture.
3. How Do I Make Clean Cuts?
Allow the caramelitas to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest slices.
4. Can I Add Nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the oat mixture or sprinkled on top of the caramel layer for added crunch.
5. How Long Should I Cool the Caramelitas?
Cool them in the pan until they reach room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator for an additional 30-60 minutes for easier slicing.
These Caramelitas are the ultimate indulgent treat. Their gooey caramel center, rich chocolate chips, and buttery oat crust come together to create a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a special treat at home, caramelitas are guaranteed to please every sweet tooth!
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📖 Recipe
Caramelitas
Ingredients
- Oat Mixture:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel Filling:
- 38 caramels unwrapped (11 ounces)
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- Additional:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add melted butter and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Press half the oat mixture into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Melt caramels and cream in a saucepan, stirring until smooth.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Pour caramel sauce evenly over the chips.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
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