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
Scale
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
