Easy Caramelitas Recipe

Soft, gooey, and irresistibly rich, this Easy Caramelitas Recipe is a dream come true for caramel and chocolate lovers alike. These buttery oat bars are layered with melted chocolate and luscious caramel sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making dessert for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, these sweet, chewy bars are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Prep – Just 10 minutes of hands-on time.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples come together for bakery-quality bars.
Ultra Gooey – Caramel and chocolate melt into every bite.
Great for Gifting – Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or bake sales.
Customizable – Add nuts, coconut, or use different chocolate chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
• 1 cup caramel sauce or caramel bits melted with 2 tbsp milk
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Lightly grease the paper or spray with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crust
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Stir in flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
This gives it a sturdy base for the gooey filling.

Step 4: Add the Filling
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust.
Pour caramel sauce on top and gently spread to cover.
If using nuts, sprinkle them over the caramel.

Step 5: Add the Topping & Bake Again
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Cool & Set
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for clean slicing.
Chill in the fridge for 1 hour to fully set the caramel.

Step 7: Slice & Serve
Use the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Tips for Perfect Caramelitas
Don’t Skip Pre-Baking – A solid crust keeps the bars from falling apart.
Cool Completely – Patience pays off—warm bars will fall apart when cut.
Customize It – Add a sprinkle of sea salt, switch to white chocolate, or swirl in peanut butter.
Use Good Caramel – Thick, rich caramel (homemade or store-bought) makes a huge difference.
Double the Batch – Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients for a crowd.

Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream – Top with a scoop of vanilla for a dreamy dessert.
Coffee Break – Serve with espresso or cold brew for a sweet afternoon treat.
Party Platter – Include in dessert trays with brownies, cookies, and fudge.
Holiday Gift – Wrap in parchment and tie with string for a thoughtful edible gift.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate: Store chilled for extra firmness—lasts up to 1 week.

Freezing:
Freeze: Wrap individually or as a batch and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, though rolled oats give a better texture. Quick oats work in a pinch but result in a softer crust.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

3. What’s the best caramel to use?
Soft, pourable caramel is best. If using caramel candies, melt with milk or cream to get the right consistency.

4. Can I add peanut butter?
Yes! Swirl ¼ cup into the caramel layer for a delicious twist.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time by a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts
This Easy Caramelitas Recipe delivers everything you want in a dessert—rich, gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and a buttery oat crumble that bakes up perfectly golden. Whether you’re baking for guests or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are always a hit and always worth making.

Try them out and let me know how they turned out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your Caramelitas on Pinterest—I’d love to see your sweet creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American Dessert

Nutritional Information (Per Bar – 1 of 16):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 120mg

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