Caramelitas Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars
User Reviews
5
Caramelitas Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars
Description
Caramelitas Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars begin with a base of softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla, oats, flour, baking soda, and salt, forming an oatmeal crust. Half this crust is pressed into a pan and baked briefly to start firming it up. After baking, milk chocolate chips are sprinkled on top, followed by a layer of melted caramel blended with heavy cream. The remaining oatmeal crust is placed in spoonfuls over the caramel layer and the bars return to the oven to bake until golden.
The texture balances the chewiness of oats with the gooey caramel and the softness of melted chocolate chips. This layering and the baking steps help the caramel become set yet tender, while the chocolate remains melty and the crust gains some structure.
Once baked, the bars require cooling for at least one to two hours for the caramel to fully set, making cutting easier. These bars are convenient as a handheld dessert or snack and benefit from the use of soft caramels and old-fashioned oats for proper texture.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (do not use quick oats)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 40 caramel candies such as Werther's Soft Caramels, soft
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap the caramels and place in a small saucepan with the heavy cream. Heat over medium low heat for 3-4 minutes or until melted. Watch carefully to make sure the caramel doesn't burn.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Fold in oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Line a 9 x 9 baking pan (may use a 8 x 8 pan if you want thicker Caramelitas) with parchment paper. This helps when removing the bars from the pan. Press only HALF of the oatmeal crust on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with milk chocolate chips.
- Pour caramel over the chocolate chips. Carefully place spoonfuls of the remaining oatmeal crust over the caramel, trying to cover most of the caramel. Bake for 13-17 minutes.
- Set aside to cool for at least 1-2 hours to let the caramel set up. You can bring the bars to room temperature and then place in the refrigerator to chill and set up. Cut into squares.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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