This Caramelitas Recipe is a magical marriage of buttery oat cookie, gooey caramel, and luscious chocolate, all baked together into one irresistible bar. Whether you’re after a cozy dessert for movie night or a treat to wow at your next potluck, these bars make it blissfully easy to turn pantry staples into a show-stopping sweet. Like most truly great recipes, it only takes a few straightforward ingredients to create the dreamy layers that make every bite unforgettable. Trust me: with a batch of these on hand, everyday moments turn just a little more delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab a handful of familiar basics from your kitchen—every ingredient in this Caramelitas Recipe works its magic to build perfect layers of flavor and texture. Good quality chocolate, creamy caramel, and hearty oats come together for that signature gooey-chewy crunch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the oat cookie bar, giving just the right amount of structure without weighing things down.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds a heartiness and that classic chewy bite you expect from a proper caramelita.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings deep, molasses-y caramel notes that meld perfectly with the filling.
- Baking soda: A small boost of lift ensures each bar stays delightfully tender.
- Salt: The quiet hero—just a pinch pulls all the flavors into focus.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter coats every crumb, making the base meltingly rich and oh-so-satisfying.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The classic chocolate layer, adding contrast with a slightly bittersweet edge.
- Caramel sauce or melted caramel candies (about 30 soft caramels with 2 tablespoons heavy cream): For unmistakable gooey decadence; homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
How to Make Caramelitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides for easy removal later. This tiny extra step makes getting jaw-dropping bars out of the pan a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Oat Crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well moistened and crumbly—this forms both your bottom crust and the irresistible topping.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Base
Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, just enough to set the crust so it can hold that luscious filling!
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Caramel Layers
Take the pan out of the oven and, while it’s still warm, scatter the chocolate chips over the base. Immediately pour the caramel sauce (or your creamy homemade version) over the chocolate chips—don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every inch, it’ll spread as it bakes.
Step 5: Top and Finish Baking
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, covering most of the surface but letting a few pockets peek through for ultimate gooeyness. Pop the pan back in the oven for another 15 to 18 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Slice for Perfection
Let your Caramelitas cool completely at room temperature—this is the hard part, but it’s so worth it! For bakery-perfect bars that slice cleanly, chill them for at least an hour before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Caramelitas Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right as they cool. Chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of extra caramel can make these bars feel truly special for guests or a celebration.
Side Dishes
Caramelitas are rich, so pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance all that decadence. For a cozy coffee moment, serve alongside a hot cup of your favorite brew or a glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bars into bite-sized cubes for dessert platters, or wrap individual bars in parchment with twine as adorable edible gifts. For a playful twist, stack them Jenga-style on a cake stand for parties, or crumble over ice cream for instant sundae magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Caramelitas in an airtight container—layering parchment between them helps prevent sticking. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week if you prefer them firmer and chilled.
Freezing
This Caramelitas Recipe loves your freezer! Once cooled and sliced, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour to enjoy.
Reheating
If you crave that freshly-baked warmth, pop a square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to bring back that gooey caramel goodness. For a crowd, briefly reheat bars in a 300°F oven on a baking sheet until just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but rolled oats provide the heartier texture and signature chew that set this Caramelitas Recipe apart. Quick oats result in a slightly softer, less distinctive bar.
How can I make my own caramel sauce for these bars?
If you have soft caramel candies and cream, melt about 30 caramels with 2 tablespoons heavy cream over gentle heat, stirring until smooth. For a homemade sauce from scratch, simmer sugar, butter, and cream together until golden and thickened.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep a close eye on bake times—sometimes larger batches need just a bit more time, but test for that golden, bubbling top.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
By default, this Caramelitas Recipe uses regular flour and oats. However, you can substitute with a reliable 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats for a version everyone can enjoy.
Why do I need to chill the bars before cutting?
The caramel and chocolate need time to set so you can slice beautiful, tidy bars without a sticky mess. Chilling firms up the filling and makes serving (and sharing, if you must!) so much easier.
Final Thoughts
I hope you dive right in and make this Caramelitas Recipe—it’s the kind of homemade treat sure to spark smiles and requests for seconds. With layers of buttery, chocolatey, and caramel perfection, it’s destined to become a new staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking, and don’t forget to sneak a warm corner piece just for yourself!
Print
Caramelitas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of these Caramelitas, a rich and chewy layered bar treat that combines the flavors of oats, chocolate, and gooey caramel. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce or melted caramel candies (about 30 soft caramels with 2 tablespoons heavy cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients and layer: Stir in melted butter. Press half of the mixture into the pan, bake, then add chocolate chips and caramel sauce.
- Crumble topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake and cool: Bake until golden brown, cool at room temperature, then chill before slicing into bars.
Notes
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make a quick homemade version with caramel candies and cream.
- Enhance with a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
