Description
These Caramelitas are decadent oat bars layered with a buttery oat crust, smooth rich caramel, and melty chocolate chips, baked until golden brown. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert, they combine chewy oats with creamy caramel and chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag of soft caramels (around 11 oz)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Oat Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Additional
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the caramel melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Oat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press the Base: Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly into a compact layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake this base layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan carefully from the oven.
- Add Chocolate and Caramel Layers: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked crust. Then, pour the prepared caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate chips.
- Add the Top Layer: Spread the remaining oat mixture gently over the caramel layer. Press it slightly to cover the caramel without mixing layers together.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top layer turns golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Then cut into squares and serve as a delicious treat.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture is smooth before pouring for even layering.
- Press the oat layers firmly to avoid crumbling bars.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate as per preference.
- Allow the bars to fully cool to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
