Caramelitas are irresistible cookie bars that combine the best of both worlds: a chewy, buttery cookie base and a gooey caramel filling. These decadent treats are perfect for dessert, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. The combination of chocolate chips, caramel, and a crumbly oatmeal base makes them hard to resist.
Here’s a delicious recipe for Caramelitas:
Caramelitas Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Base and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped (or use homemade caramel sauce)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, if you prefer)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Oatmeal Cookie Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is evenly combined. The dough will be crumbly.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping, and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
3. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cookie base.
4. Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
5. Add the Oatmeal Crumble Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top of the chocolate chips. Don’t worry about covering the entire surface; some gaps are fine, as the caramel and chocolate will ooze through.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The caramel layer should be bubbly, and the cookie topping should be lightly browned.
7. Cool and Slice:
- Let the Caramelitas cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate them for 1-2 hours before slicing.
- Once fully cooled, cut into squares or bars.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Caramelitas at room temperature. They are rich and gooey, making them a delightful treat!
Storage:
- Store leftover Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life (up to a week), but they may firm up a bit and lose some of their gooeyness.
- For longer storage, freeze them by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added texture, try mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat mixture.
- Use Homemade Caramel: If you want to make the caramel from scratch, you can make a simple caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream, then pour it into the bars.
- Different Chocolate: Switch up the chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a unique twist.
- Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over the top of the bars before baking for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
These Caramelitas are a perfect indulgent treat that combines everything you love: chewy oats, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate! You’ll find it hard to resist reaching for just one. Enjoy!
