Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Indulgent: The smooth caramel, gooey chocolate, and crunchy oats make this dessert a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Family Tradition: Passed down through generations, these bars have a special place in many hearts, making them perfect for family gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can make a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal effort, these bars come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup melted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 bag of soft caramels (around 11 oz)
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan:

Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Make the Caramel:

In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and the caramel has melted. Set aside.

3. Make the Oat Mixture:

In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda until well combined.

4. Press the Base:

Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

5. Bake the Crust:

Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust and pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips.

6. Add the Top Layer:

Spread the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, pressing it gently into place.

7. Bake the Bars:

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve:

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 9-12 servings

Variations

Add Nuts: You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture for a crunchy twist.
Use Different Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce instead of caramels?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but the texture might be slightly different than using soft caramels.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to use rolled oats for this recipe, but quick oats can be used as a substitute if necessary.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day or two ahead and store them at room temperature or in the fridge.

How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?

Ensure you cook the caramel mixture over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent it from becoming too firm.

Can I freeze Caramelitas?

Yes, Caramelitas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Caramelitas are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the sweet combination of caramel, chocolate, and oats. With their simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try, and let the delicious layers of caramel and chocolate take you to dessert heaven.

Caramelitas Recipe

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9-12 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Caramelitas are irresistible dessert bars that combine rich caramel, gooey chocolate, and crunchy oats into a delightful treat. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, these bars are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or satisfying your sweet cravings. Indulge in the delicious layers of caramel and chocolate with every bite!

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

¾ cup melted butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 bag of soft caramels (around 11 oz)

1 cup chocolate chips

½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and the caramel has melted. Set aside.
Make the Oat Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda until well combined.
Press the Base: Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust and pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips.
Add the Top Layer: Spread the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, pressing it gently into place.
Bake the Bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the oat mixture for an extra crunch.

Different Chocolate: Swap regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a unique flavor.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Bars
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American