Dive into an irresistible blend of melted butter, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, silky caramels, and rich chocolate chips with our delightful Caramelitas. A truly mouth-watering treat!
If I could bottle up my childhood memories, they’d smell like mom’s kitchen on a Saturday morning. But the sweetest scent among them all was of these glorious Caramelitas. It was on a family vacation when my mother first stumbled upon this recipe at a small countryside bakery. The chef was kind enough to share it, and upon our return, mom baked her own version. And oh boy, did it instantly become a family favorite! It wasn’t just the flavors that had us hooked. It was the memories of that trip, the warm kitchen conversations, and the absolute joy of biting into a perfect balance of chocolate and caramel. Each time I bake these now, it’s like taking a stroll down that beautiful memory lane.
It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celestial experience. Caramelitas offer a harmonious dance between the earthy texture of old-fashioned oats and the sweetness of caramel and chocolate. Plus, the recipe’s simplicity ensures that even the most novice bakers can recreate this magic. These bars encapsulate an unforgettable flavor journey, a delightful mix of textures, and the nostalgic charm of a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Butter unsalted – ¾ cup, melted
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Old-fashioned oats – 1 cup
Brown sugar – ¾ cup
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Baking caramels – 11 oz
Heavy cream – ½ cup
Chocolate chips – 1 cup
Instructions
Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for ease of removal.
In a suitable saucepan, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Place the saucepan over medium heat, ensuring that you stir the mixture continuously to prevent burning. Once the mixture achieves a smooth consistency, remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, oats, and baking soda. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a homogenous mixture is achieved.
Carefully press half of the aforementioned oat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form a uniform layer.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
Upon removal from the oven, evenly distribute the chocolate chips over the baked layer. Subsequently, pour the previously prepared caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, ensuring an even spread.
Finish by evenly distributing the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
Return the baking dish to the oven and allow it to bake for an additional duration of 18-20 minutes or until done.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and set aside, allowing the Caramelitas to cool thoroughly. Only once cooled completely, proceed to slice and serve.