Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Caramelitas

These are Frog Prince’s favorite dessert. 

I’d say they aren’t half bad either. 

But, I’m warning you… they are highly addictive. 

The original recipe is present on this blog from when I first started making these for Frog Prince.  But, since them we’ve tried many different versions – one that uses applesauce and is considered the healthiest of our trials.  And, this version – a happy medium. 

This one uses white whole wheat flour, our homemade caramel sauce, reduces the amount of sugar & butter, but still makes a darn good bar, if I do say so myself. 

Caramelitas – From the Flatten Family

Ingredients

• 2 C white whole wheat flour
• 2 C oats {quick or regular, or a combination}
• 3/4 C brown sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 C butter, melted
• 1ish C dark chocolate chips
• 1 recipe caramel sauce

Directions

Begin by mixing together 2 C white whole wheat flour, 2 C oats, 3/4 C brown sugar, 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl.  Blend until these dry ingredients are stirred together.  Then, add in the 3/4 C melted butter. 

Using a fork or spatula, stir until the butter is incorporated.  Then, press just about 3/4 of the mixture into a 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper. 

Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned.  Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.

Combine together the ingredients for making the caramel sauce (1/4 C butter, 1/8 C whipping cream and 1/4 C brown sugar), and prepare according to directions.  Then, pour the caramel sauce over the top of the crust. 

Cover the top with the remaining 1/4 of the oat, butter & flour mixture. 

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top begins to brown slightly. 

As good as the bars look and smell when you pull them out of the oven, do not try eating one right away.  They are way too gooey and won’t hold up well.  Although, your stomach probably won’t mind!  When the bars have cooled (2-3 hours), remove the parchment paper from the pan and place the bars on a cutting board.  Slice into 32+ bars. 

Serve & enjoy!  Store leftovers in an airtight container {and, hide them!}.

Linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday 2