Caramelitas: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars

The Ultimate Dessert!

Looking for a dessert that perfectly balances gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a crumbly oat crust? These Chocolate Caramel Bars deliver on every level. They’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear!

Whether you need a treat for a gathering or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will hit the spot. Let's dive into this irresistible recipe that you can easily customize with a few pantry staples.

Photo byGLP

Yields: 16 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup melted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 11 oz bag of baking caramels
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the mixture melts into a smooth, velvety sauce, then set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, blend the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda until fully mixed. Press half of this mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
4. Bake the base for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the partially baked crust, and pour the warm caramel sauce on top. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
5. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until golden. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Substitutions:

• Butter: Use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Caramels: Try using homemade caramel or caramel sauce in place of the store-bought variety.
• Chocolate Chips: Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate, or add in peanut butter chips for a twist.

Storage:

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to keep fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy!

These Chocolate Caramel Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Perfectly sweet, chewy, and loaded with flavor, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser!

https://12tomatoes.com/caramelitas/