Heavenly Caramelitas Recipe: Gooey Sweet Bars For Any Occasion

Sinking your teeth into a gooey caramelitas bar that melts with rich, buttery goodness.

These decadent treats combine layers of chocolate and caramel between crisp oatmeal cookie crusts.

Nobody can resist their incredible charm and sweet complexity.

Memories of childhood desserts flood back with each delightful bite.

The magic happens when simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Chocolate lovers and sweet enthusiasts will absolutely adore this irresistible recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Grab a napkin and get ready to experience pure dessert bliss.

Why Caramelitas Are Rich, Chewy, And Irresistible

• Irresistible Layered Delight: These caramelitas combine a buttery oatmeal crust with gooey caramel and rich chocolate, creating a mouthwatering dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Foolproof Baking Method: The simple one-pan technique makes this recipe incredibly easy for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under an hour, these bars are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or sudden sweet cravings, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
• Texture Sensation: The crumbly oatmeal base contrasts beautifully with the smooth, flowing caramel and chocolate, offering a delightful mix of crispy and creamy textures that make each bite exciting and satisfying.

What Goes Into Making Caramelitas

• All-Purpose Flour: A base for creating a crumbly, buttery foundation that holds the bar's structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, rich sweetness and helps create a soft, moist texture.
• Rolled Oats: Provides hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crust and crumble topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds ingredients together and creates a rich, golden base.
• Baking Soda: Helps the crust achieve a light, crisp texture.

• Caramel Sauce: Delivers a smooth, gooey center with sweet, luxurious flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds rich, melty chocolate layers throughout the dessert.

• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor profile and adds subtle warmth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the complexity of other ingredients.

How To Bake Caramelitas Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light butter massage. Drape parchment paper inside, letting the edges hang over like a soft blanket for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Oat Base

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Melted butter

Mix until the mixture looks like delightful sandy crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this magical mixture into the prepared pan, creating a sturdy foundation for your caramel dream.

Step 3: Bake Initial Layer

Slide the pan into the heated oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, roughly 10-12 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling like a warm, sweet paradise.

Step 4: Sprinkle Chocolate Magic

Once the base emerges from the oven, generously scatter chocolate chips across the entire surface. The residual heat will start melting them into a smooth, glossy layer.

Step 5: Drizzle Caramel Goodness

Pour rich, gooey caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate-covered base. Make sure every inch gets a luxurious caramel coating.

Step 6: Add Remaining Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining oat crumb mixture over the caramel, creating a beautiful, rustic top layer.

Step 7: Final Baking Moment

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the top turns a delightful golden brown and the caramel bubbles softly, about 15-18 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the caramelitas cool completely in the pan. The cooling process helps them set and become perfectly sliceable.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper edges, lift the entire creation out of the pan. Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Tips To Get Caramelitas Just Right

• Prepare Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper with generous overhang to ensure clean, easy bar removal without breaking or crumbling.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Let caramel cool slightly before spreading to prevent burning and achieve smooth, even layer across the bars.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Opt for high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to elevate the rich, decadent taste of Caramelitas.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Briefly prebake the oat crust for 10-12 minutes before adding caramel and chocolate layers to maintain a crisp, sturdy texture.
• Store with Care: Keep Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising flavor.

Store And Reheat Caramelitas Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual Caramelitas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days maximum. Ensure the container is sealed to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly soft and warm.

What Goes Well With Caramelitas

• Pair with Smooth Caramel Latte: The rich caramel notes in the Caramelitas harmonize perfectly with a creamy, warm caramel latte, enhancing the dessert's sweet, buttery flavors.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, velvety vanilla bean ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast and complements the gooey caramel and chocolate layers.
• Enjoy with Aged Tawny Port: The sweet, nutty undertones of an aged tawny port wine beautifully highlight the complex caramel and oatmeal textures of the Caramelitas.
• Sip Salted Caramel Martini: This sophisticated cocktail echoes the dessert's caramel essence, creating a luxurious and indulgent flavor experience.

Fun Flavors To Add To Caramelitas

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between caramel and chocolate layers for added texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Salted Chocolate Upgrade: Drizzle flaky sea salt over the top before baking to enhance the caramel and chocolate's deep, complex taste.
• Berry Chocolate Fusion: Layer thinly sliced strawberries or raspberries between chocolate and caramel for a fruity, tangy contrast.
• Coconut Caramel Dream: Spread shredded toasted coconut across the middle layer to introduce a tropical, crunchy element that complements the sweet caramel base.

Caramelitas FAQs You’ll Want To See

• What makes Caramelitas so special?

These decadent bars combine a buttery oatmeal cookie base with rich caramel and chocolate, creating an irresistible treat that’s both gooey and crunchy.

• Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor and give your Caramelitas a more personalized touch. Just ensure it’s thick enough to spread evenly.

• Are Caramelitas difficult to make for beginner bakers?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. The layering process is simple, and the results are impressive, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning or sticking?

Use parchment paper and grease the pan well. Also, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help the caramel set and make slicing easier.

Caramelitas Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible chocolate and caramel meld perfectly in these Caramelitas, creating a heavenly dessert that blends rich layers of buttery oats, smooth chocolate, and gooey caramel. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each indulgent bite of this classic midwestern treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g/8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (190 g/6.7 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (120 g/4.2 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups (265 g/9.3 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (300 g/10.6 ounces) caramel sauce or dulce de leche

Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (200 g/7 ounces) packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml/1.5 fluid ounces) heavy cream

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (75 g/2.6 ounces) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warmly usher the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for your decadent treat.
2. Lovingly prepare the baking vessel by generously coating it with a silky layer of grease, then tenderly drape parchment paper across its surface, ensuring graceful edges extend beyond the pan’s boundaries for effortless extraction.
3. Create a luxurious foundation by layering two-thirds of the crumbly oat mixture, pressing it firmly and evenly into the pan’s landscape, establishing a sturdy base for the impending flavor symphony.
4. Dispatch the prepared crust into the preheated oven’s embrace, allowing it to transform and set for approximately 10 minutes, developing a gentle golden hue and promising crisp texture.
5. While the crust bakes, assemble your caramel companions: summon chocolate morsels and rich caramel sauce, preparing them for their starring roles in this culinary performance.
6. Once the crust emerges with its delicate bronze complexion, generously cascade chocolate chips across its entire surface, creating a glistening blanket of potential deliciousness.
7. Drizzle the caramel sauce with artistic precision, ensuring complete and even coverage over the chocolate landscape, promising pockets of sweet, flowing decadence.
8. Crown the creation with the remaining oat mixture, sprinkling it delicately yet deliberately to create a rustic, textured topping.
9. Return the assembled masterpiece to the oven’s warm sanctuary, allowing it to bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until the top achieves a golden, enticing complexion.
10. Carefully extract the pan, permitting the caramelitas to cool completely within the pan, which allows the layers to set and harmonize their flavors.
11. Utilizing the parchment paper’s extended edges, gently lift the entire creation from the pan and transfer to a cutting surface.
12. Slice into precise squares, revealing the mesmerizing layers of oats, chocolate, and caramel, ready to enchant eager palates.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for richer, more complex flavor depths.
• Always let the caramel layer cool slightly before adding chocolate to prevent immediate melting and maintain distinct layers.
• Chill the bars for 30 minutes after baking to help them set perfectly and create clean, crisp cuts when slicing.
• Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats for better texture and a more substantial, nutty base in your caramelitas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 382
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 81 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg