Caramelitas are a decadent dessert bar layered with buttery oatmeal crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate chips. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or indulging at home. With their irresistible combination of textures and flavors, Caramelitas are a dessert that’s hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Combines buttery, chewy, and gooey textures in every bite.
- A versatile dessert that can be customized with nuts or other fillings.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a homemade gift.
- Stores well, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Old-fashioned oats
- Brown sugar
- Baking soda
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream
- Chocolate chips
- Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the Base: Press half of the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden.
- Prepare the Caramel: If using store-bought caramel, warm it slightly and mix it with heavy cream until smooth. If homemade, ensure it’s pourable but not too runny.
- Assemble the Layers: Remove the crust from the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) evenly over the base. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, spreading gently to cover. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 16-20 bars, depending on size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Caramelitas: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a richer flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the crust mixture or sprinkle it over the caramel.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned oats work best, but quick oats can be substituted. Avoid using steel-cut oats.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a rich, authentic flavor, but store-bought works perfectly as well.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking?
Line the pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to ensure easy removal.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a plant-based caramel sauce.
How do I make the caramel layer thicker?
Increase the amount of caramel sauce and adjust the heavy cream for a thicker layer.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Yes, use white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or a mix of your favorite varieties.
How do I ensure clean slices?
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife for clean edges.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, Caramelitas are great for make-ahead desserts and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What’s the best way to serve Caramelitas?
Enjoy them as-is or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I add fruit to the recipe?
Yes, dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates can be added for extra sweetness and texture.
Conclusion
Caramelitas are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of buttery oatmeal, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with family, these bars are guaranteed to impress!
PrintCaramelitas
Caramelitas are rich, gooey dessert bars featuring layers of buttery oat crust, luscious caramel, and melted chocolate. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you crave an indulgent treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Oat Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (120 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup (300 g) caramel sauce or dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (265 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Oat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bottom Layer:
- Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
4. Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- While the bottom layer bakes, mix the caramel sauce with the heavy cream in a small bowl.
5. Layer the Filling:
- Sprinkle the partially baked crust with the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the top.
6. Add the Topping:
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, spreading it as evenly as possible.
7. Bake:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For clean cuts, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the topping.
- Store Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.