Caramelitas are a delectable treat that combines the best elements of cookies and caramel bars. These gooey, sweet bars feature a buttery oat crust, a rich caramel filling, and a crumbly topping that ties it all together. They are perfect for sharing at parties, as a dessert, or even as a special treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. Here’s a simple yet indulgent recipe to make these caramel-filled bars:
Caramelitas
Ingredients:
For the Base and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), optional
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup caramel bits or chews (or 14 oz of caramel sauce)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Base and Topping:
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
- Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Set aside about 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel bits or chews, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the caramel is completely melted.
- Pour the caramel filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer, pressing down gently to adhere.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the Caramelitas to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This cooling time helps the caramel set and makes cutting easier.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy the rich, gooey caramel goodness!
Tips:
- Caramel Bits: If you can’t find caramel bits, you can use caramel chews or make your own caramel sauce. Just be sure to adjust the melting process if using homemade caramel sauce.
- Storage: Store Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Caramelitas are a delightful treat that combines a crunchy, buttery crust with a rich, gooey caramel filling, all topped with a sweet oat crumble. They’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion where a little extra sweetness is needed!
