If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate indulgent dessert bar, look no further than this Caramelitas Recipe! These irresistible bars balance gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and a buttery oat crust in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet treat to brighten your day, this Caramelitas Recipe is guaranteed to win over friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to grab a square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Caramelitas Recipe is how it transforms a humble list of pantry staples into a decadent masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a starring role, working together to create layers of texture, sweetness, and that signature gooey finish.
- All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation for the buttery crust and crumbly topping.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Add hearty texture and a lovely rustic flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Packed light brown sugar: Deepens the bar’s caramel flavor and keeps the crumb moist.
- Baking soda: Gives just the right lift for a tender, chewy bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the dry ingredients and adds rich, buttery goodness throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For pools of melted chocolate in every bite; feel free to swap in dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Bring a nutty crunch, but you can omit or substitute with walnuts if desired.
- Soft caramels, unwrapped: The heart of the Caramelitas Recipe—nothing beats the silky, gooey caramel layer.
- Heavy cream: Melts into the caramels to create the perfect pourable consistency for that luscious filling.
How to Make Caramelitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your 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 some overhang for easy lifting later. This simple step ensures your Caramelitas Recipe bars come out of the pan effortlessly—and with clean edges!
Step 2: Mix the Oat Crust and Crumble
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Give everything a good stir to distribute the ingredients evenly, then pour in the melted butter. Stir until a crumbly dough forms—you want every bit of oat and flour coated in buttery goodness for that signature chewy texture.
Step 3: Press and Bake the Bottom Layer
Take half of your oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to get a tight, even layer. Pop the crust into the oven for a quick 10-minute bake; this helps it set up just enough to hold all the caramel and chocolate to come.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer
While the crust is baking, melt the caramels with heavy cream in a small saucepan set over low heat. Stir frequently, watching closely so the caramel doesn’t scorch. Once everything is melted together and silky smooth, take it off the heat—this is the gooey heart of the Caramelitas Recipe.
Step 5: Layer on the Chocolate and Pecans
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot base. Add the chopped pecans if you’re using them; they’ll toast up beautifully as the bars bake. This is where the magic starts to happen—the chocolate will melt just enough to mingle with the caramel.
Step 6: Pour the Caramel and Add the Crumble
Pour the warm caramel mixture over the chocolate and nuts, spreading gently to cover every corner. Now, take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it evenly over the top, letting some caramel peek through. This final layer bakes to golden perfection, creating that irresistible crumbly topping.
Step 7: Bake, Cool, and Chill
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. Chilling is key for clean slices and that perfect chewy texture—worth the wait, I promise!
How to Serve Caramelitas Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar can take your Caramelitas Recipe to the next level. For extra flair, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce just before serving, or top each square with a pecan half for a simple, elegant finish.
Side Dishes
These bars are delightfully rich, so pair them with something cool and refreshing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream balances the gooey sweetness perfectly. For a little contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a cup of strong coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For your next party or potluck, cut the Caramelitas Recipe bars into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered dessert tray. Or, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. You can even use them as a decadent base for an ice cream sundae—just add ice cream and a sprinkle of nuts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Caramelitas Recipe bars keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, stash them in the fridge to maintain their chewy texture and prevent the caramel from getting too soft.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats over a longer stretch, simply freeze individual squares in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
For an extra gooey treat, microwave a chilled or room-temperature bar for about 10 seconds. The caramel will soften and the chocolate will melt slightly, bringing your Caramelitas Recipe back to warm, just-baked perfection.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a thick, high-quality store-bought caramel sauce can be substituted for the melted caramels and heavy cream. Just be sure to use enough to create a generous layer between the oats and chocolate.
Are there any nut-free options for this Caramelitas Recipe?
Definitely! Simply omit the pecans or replace them with your favorite seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower, for a nut-free version. The bars will still be rich, gooey, and satisfying.
How do I make clean cuts without the bars falling apart?
For neat slices, chill the Caramelitas Recipe bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. The longer the bars chill, the easier they’ll be to slice into tidy squares.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients and bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the bake times—they may need a few extra minutes to reach that golden, bubbly perfection.
What’s the best way to serve these for a special occasion?
Serve Caramelitas Recipe bars slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. For extra elegance, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and edible flowers for a party-ready presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a truly unforgettable dessert, make this Caramelitas Recipe your next baking adventure. With its gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and buttery oat layers, these bars are a guaranteed hit every single time. Share them with friends, bring them to a gathering, or treat yourself—they’re just too good not to try!
Print
Caramelitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously chewy and rich caramelitas feature a buttery oat crust layered with gooey caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. This American dessert bar combines sweet, nutty, and chocolate flavors for a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
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 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Additional Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press half of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the base.
- Melt the caramel: While the crust is baking, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, creating a luscious caramel sauce.
- Add toppings and assemble layers: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the crust. Pour the melted caramel mixture over this layer. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top to create a textured finish.
- Bake the caramelitas: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the caramel layer is set and the topping is cooked through.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to firm up the bars, making them easier to slice cleanly.
- Serve: Slice into 16 bars using a sharp knife and enjoy your delicious caramelitas as a delightful dessert or snack.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the caramelitas longer and use a sharp knife to prevent crumbling.
- You can omit the pecans if desired or substitute them with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
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
