If you are in search of a delightfully chewy, rich, and utterly addictive treat, look no further than this Caramelitas Recipe. These bars are a perfect marriage of buttery oats, sweet, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate chips, all baked into a golden-brown crust that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, Caramelitas will become your new favorite go-to dessert. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite feel like a cozy, sweet hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic of Caramelitas. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes this recipe stand out so much.
- Rolled oats: Adds hearty texture and wholesome chewiness to the bars.
- Melted butter: Brings richness and helps bind the oat mixture together.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the bars to hold their shape.
- Brown sugar: Imparts deep sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Baking soda: A small leavening agent that keeps the bars tender, not tough.
- Soft caramels: The luscious, gooey heart of the recipe, melting to create a smooth caramel layer.
- Chocolate chips: Adds bursts of creamy chocolate that perfectly complement the caramel layer.
- Heavy cream: Combined with caramels to create a dreamy, velvety caramel sauce.
How to Make Caramelitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure your caramelitas don’t stick. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your layers are assembled. This sets the stage for your bars to bake evenly and develop a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a small saucepan, gently melt the soft caramels together with the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously to create a smooth, luscious caramel sauce that will ooze beautifully between the layers. Set this aside for later use once it’s perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Make the Oat Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda. Stir everything until well blended into a slightly sticky but manageable dough. This mixture forms both the base and the top crust of your Caramelitas.
Step 4: Press the Base
Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will create the sturdy, chewy foundation that holds all your caramel and chocolate layers.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake this oat crust for 10 minutes to give it a slight golden touch and a bit of firmness. Once baked, immediately pull it from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top. Then, pour the silky caramel sauce right over the chocolate, allowing it to melt and meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Top Layer
Spread the remaining oat mixture gently over the caramel-covered chocolate. Press it softly into place to seal in the gooey filling beneath while keeping the texture nice and crumbly on top.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Return the baking dish to your oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown color on top, signaling that your Caramelitas are perfectly cooked and ready for the next step.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
The hardest part is waiting for these bars to cool completely before cutting. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. This pause lets the caramel-set layers firm up without being too gooey, so every bite holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Caramelitas Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Caramelitas presentation, try topping each square with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to create a salty-sweet contrast. A drizzle of extra melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair Caramelitas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience or enjoy them alongside a cup of rich, hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries can add a refreshing pop of tartness as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your Caramelitas on a rustic wooden board or in mini cupcake liners for individual portions. You could even serve them layered with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce in parfait glasses for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them chewy and fresh. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigeration is also an option, just bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Caramelitas freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for preparing ahead or saving a treat for later.
Reheating
To enjoy the gooey goodness as if freshly baked, warm your Caramelitas briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the caramel can get too runny.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide the best chewy texture and structural integrity for Caramelitas. Quick oats tend to create a softer, less defined crumb.
What type of caramels work best for this recipe?
Use soft, chewy caramels that melt easily. Avoid hard or taffy-style caramels, as they may not melt smoothly and can affect the consistency of the caramel layer.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter option, but heavy cream creates the richest, most luscious caramel sauce. Using less creamy substitutes may result in a thinner layer.
How can I cut the bars cleanly without making a mess?
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing, and use a sharp knife warmed by running under hot water. Wipe the blade clean between cuts to keep the edges neat.
Is it possible to make Caramelitas gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This swap maintains the texture while accommodating dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Baking the perfect batch of Caramelitas Recipe bars feels like giving yourself a sweet little gift from the heart. The blend of buttery oats, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate is comforting and dazzling all at once. I truly believe once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite in your dessert lineup. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and dive into the lovely, gooey world of Caramelitas!
Print
Caramelitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Caramelitas are delicious layered bars featuring a buttery oat crust, a rich caramel and chocolate center, and a golden oat topping. These chewy, sweet treats are perfect for dessert or snacks and bring together the delightful flavors of caramel, chocolate, and oats in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Oat Crust and Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 bag of soft caramels (around 11 oz)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the caramel melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Oat Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and baking soda until everything is evenly combined, forming a crumbly oat mixture.
- Press the Base: Take half of the oat mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to create the base layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes to set. After baking, remove the pan from the oven.
- Add the Chocolate and Caramel: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked crust. Then, pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, allowing it to spread slightly.
- Add the Top Layer: Spread the remaining half of the oat mixture gently over the caramel layer, pressing it down slightly to adhere well.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top layer turns golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy the chewy, sweet caramelitas.
Notes
- Be sure to use soft caramels for easy melting and smooth caramel filling.
- Press the oat mixture firmly into the pan for a sturdier crust and topping.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape better.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips for variation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
