Caramelitas Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert bar that checks every box—gooey, chewy, chocolatey, and delightfully buttery—look no further than this Caramelitas Recipe. Packed with layers of oats, melted caramel, and chocolate chips, these bars deliver a nostalgic bakery treat right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re impressing a crowd or treating yourself to a little indulgence, this Caramelitas Recipe is the kind of irresistible classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Caramelitas Recipe so special is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something magical. Each ingredient plays a starring role in the flavor, texture, and irresistible gooeyness that defines these bars.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly oat layer, giving the bars their structure.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds chewy texture and a hint of nutty flavor—quick oats just won’t do the trick here!
- Light brown sugar: Brings sweetness and caramel notes that pair beautifully with the filling.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps the oat layer tender.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the recipe.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and helps bind the crumbly oat mixture together.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Add crunch and a toasty, nutty dimension—totally customizable!
- Soft caramels, unwrapped: The heart and soul of this Caramelitas Recipe, creating that luscious, gooey middle layer.
- Heavy cream: Makes the caramel perfectly pourable and silky smooth.
How to Make Caramelitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later. This step ensures your Caramelitas bars come out cleanly—no sticking, no crumbling, just perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Make the Oat Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Give everything a good stir so it’s evenly mixed. Pour in the melted butter and stir again until you have a crumbly dough. This mixture will be both the base and the topping, so make sure it’s well combined and evenly moist.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to really pack it down—this forms the sturdy foundation for your Caramelitas Recipe. Bake for 10 minutes, just until it begins to set and turn slightly golden.
Step 4: Melt the Caramels
While the crust is baking, place the unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. In just a few minutes, the caramels will melt into a silky, pourable sauce that smells absolutely divine.
Step 5: Layer the Chocolate, Nuts, and Caramel
Remove the crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle on the chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using). Next, pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the top—don’t worry if it seeps into the edges, that’s what creates those delicious, gooey corners everyone loves.
Step 6: Add the Crumble and Bake Again
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer, pressing down lightly to cover. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. For clean slices, refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before cutting. The chilling step is key for perfect, tidy squares and that irresistible chewy texture.
How to Serve Caramelitas Recipe
Garnishes
For a special finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving. It elevates the caramel flavor and adds a sophisticated crunch. Or, dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty, bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
While Caramelitas are the star of the show, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon, enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea—they’re absolutely perfect for sharing with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Caramelitas Recipe into mini squares for bite-sized treats on a dessert platter, or wrap individual bars in wax paper for adorable party favors. For a fun twist, serve warm bars with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel syrup for an extra-indulgent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, store leftover Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious, and the flavors only get better as they meld together.
Freezing
Caramelitas freeze beautifully! Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for a treat that tastes just as fresh as the day you baked them.
Reheating
If you love your Caramelitas warm and gooey, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate and caramel will melt just enough to make each bite extra decadent—perfect for those moments when you crave a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I make Caramelitas Recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! The pecans are completely optional. You can leave them out, swap for walnuts, or use seeds if you prefer a nut-free version. The bars will still be irresistibly gooey and delicious.
What’s the best way to cut Caramelitas cleanly?
Chill the bars for at least 1-2 hours (or even overnight) before slicing. Use a sharp knife, and for extra neat edges, wipe the blade clean between cuts. This keeps the caramel from sticking and gives you picture-perfect squares.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
If you’re short on time, you can substitute a thick, high-quality store-bought caramel sauce. Just be sure it’s not too runny, or the bars may not set as well. Homemade melted caramels give the best texture, but shortcuts are always welcome!
Can I double the Caramelitas Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake times may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the color and bubbling caramel to know when they’re ready.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbling with caramel. If the center still looks very soft, give it a couple more minutes, but remember the bars will firm up as they cool and chill.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this Caramelitas Recipe truly delivers on every front. Every bite is an irresistible mix of chewy oats, molten caramel, and chocolate—so don’t wait to whip up a batch! I can’t wait for you to share these with your favorite people (or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!).
Print
Caramelitas Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously chewy and decadent, these Caramelitas are a classic American dessert featuring a buttery oat crust layered with melted caramel, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars combine the chewiness of oats with gooey caramel and chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 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
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press half of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes. This step helps set the base before adding toppings.
- Melt the Caramel: While the crust is baking, place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the caramels melt completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Toppings: Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the crust. Pour the warm melted caramel mixture evenly on top of the chocolate and nuts.
- Add Remaining Crust: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer, creating a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. This ensures the caramel and chocolate meld together nicely.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to firm up. This makes slicing easier and helps the flavors develop.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 bars and enjoy your chewy, caramel-packed dessert bars.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the bars longer in the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to prevent cracking.
- You can omit the pecans entirely if you prefer a nut-free version or substitute with walnuts for a different texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
