Description
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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Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
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1 cup caramel sauce or caramel bits melted with 2 tbsp milk
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Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American