If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting that perfect sweet-and-salty bar, packed with gooey caramel and melty chocolate, let me introduce you to the magic of this Caramelitas Recipe. These irresistible dessert bars start with a buttery oat crust, are layered with chocolate chips and luscious caramel, then topped with more crumbly oat goodness. The result? A dessert that’s both decadent and nostalgic, with just the right balance of chew, crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth richness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a treat to brighten your day, the Caramelitas Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Caramelitas Recipe lies in its straightforward lineup of ingredients. Each component brings something special, from the hearty oats to the smooth caramel, creating layers of flavor and texture that make these bars unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars and keeps them from falling apart when sliced.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give the bars their signature chewy texture and a rustic, homey touch.
Packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the caramel notes.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly, ensuring the layers aren’t too dense.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the pan.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the oat mixture and delivers that irresistible, rich, golden color.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The melty chocolate layer that brings everything together and contrasts beautifully with the caramel.
Caramel sauce or soft caramel candies melted with heavy cream: The star of the show, creating a gooey, decadent center.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the oat mixture, making every bite taste homemade.

How to Make Caramelitas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of overhang on the sides. This simple step ensures that your Caramelitas Recipe will lift out of the pan effortlessly, giving you picture-perfect bars every time.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crust and Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until it forms a crumbly, buttery mixture. This will serve as both the base and the topping for your bars, delivering that irresistible chew and crunch.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Base

Take half of your oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This initial bake sets the crust, ensuring it holds up under all that gooey caramel goodness.

Step 4: Layer the Chocolate and Caramel

After the base comes out of the oven, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the hot crust. Next, pour your caramel sauce (or your melted caramels with cream) over the chocolate layer, spreading it gently to cover every corner. This step is where the Caramelitas Recipe truly comes to life with that signature gooey center.

Step 5: Add the Oat Topping and Bake Again

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every inch perfectly; the rustic look adds charm! Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. For clean, neat slices, refrigerate the Caramelitas Recipe for at least 2 hours. This chilling step helps the layers set, making it easy to lift out the bars and cut them into perfect squares.

How to Serve Caramelitas Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking for a salted caramel twist. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce or melted chocolate on top before serving for a show-stopping presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramelitas Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and a little tartness that balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into mini squares for an elegant dessert platter, or serve them warm in a small bowl with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent Caramelitas sundae. You can even layer pieces into a parfait glass with whipped cream and berries for a fun, deconstructed treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Caramelitas Recipe bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for snacking all week long or packing into lunchboxes.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Arrange the sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

If you love warm, gooey bars, simply pop a Caramelitas Recipe square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The chocolate and caramel will get perfectly melty again, making it taste just like it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for this Caramelitas Recipe because they give the bars their signature chewy texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but the texture may be a bit softer and less hearty.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars will still be just as delicious and satisfying.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

You sure can! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to this Caramelitas Recipe. Just sprinkle them over the chocolate layer before adding the caramel for the best results.

What kind of caramel sauce should I use?

Store-bought caramel sauce works great, or you can melt soft caramel candies with a little heavy cream for a homemade touch. If you love salted caramel, look for a salted variety or add a pinch of sea salt yourself.

Do I really need to chill the bars before slicing?

Chilling helps the caramel and chocolate set, which makes for much cleaner, neater slices. If you try to cut them too soon, you’ll end up with delicious (but very messy) bars. The wait is totally worth it!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your friends, family, or just your own sweet tooth, don’t wait another minute to try this Caramelitas Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that brings big smiles and requests for seconds. Happy baking!

Caramelitas Recipe

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Caramelitas recipe features chewy oat bars layered with rich chocolate chips and luscious caramel, creating a delectable treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery oat crust and a gooey caramel center, these easy-to-make bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fillings

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup caramel sauce or soft caramel candies melted with 2 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute ingredients.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Pour the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
Press Base Layer: Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until it starts setting but is not browned.
Add Chocolate and Caramel Layers: Remove the crust from the oven. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour the caramel sauce (or melted soft caramels with cream) evenly over the chocolate layer.
Top with Remaining Crust: Crumble and sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer, covering it as best as possible.
Bake Final Layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15–18 minutes, until the top layer is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Cool and Chill: Allow the Caramelitas to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully before slicing into 16 bars.

Notes

You can use store-bought caramel sauce or melt soft caramel candies with heavy cream for the caramel layer.
For a salted caramel variation, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel before adding the top oat layer.
These bars can be made a day ahead and stored well in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American