Chewy Oat and Caramel Slice
This is a fantastically chewy caramel slice to feed a crowd. Store it in a container in the refrigerator between layers of baking paper.
150 grams butter 170 grams brown sugar 2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
145 grams desiccated coconut
150 grams rolled oats 115 grams plain flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder 170 grams butter
2 x 395-gram cans sweetened condensed milk
200 grams soft brown sugar ¼ cup golden syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt 200 grams dark chocolate, roughly chopped
sea salt (optional)
EQUIPMENT: Grease a 20cm square tin and fully line with baking paper.
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
OAT BASE: Melt the butter, brown sugar, golden syrup and vanilla extract in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Remove from the heat and mix in the coconut, rolled oats, flour and baking powder. Firmly press into the prepared tin and bake for 15 minutes.
CARAMEL: Melt the butter, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar and golden syrup in a saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes, until the caramel has turned a rich amber colour. If you have a sugar thermometer, remove from the heat once the caramel has reached 105°C. Pour the caramel over the cooked oat base and set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
Once the caramel has cooled, scatter the dark chocolate chunks on top. The caramel should be warm enough to stick the chocolate to the top without melting it completely.
Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or until the caramel has completely set. Sprinkle over sea salt, if using, before cutting into squares. MAKES 25 SQUARES