Caramelitas are a delicious dessert bar made with layers of gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and a buttery oat crust. These decadent bars are perfect for any occasion and come together easily with simple ingredients. The combination of chewy caramel, chocolate, and a crumbly oat topping makes these irresistible!
Ingredients for Caramelitas
1x Recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 11 ounces baking caramels (unwrapped)
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions for Caramelitas
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and old-fashioned oats. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Set aside the remaining oat mixture for the topping.
3. Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the caramel filling.
4. Make the Caramel Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt the baking caramels and heavy cream over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Assemble the Caramelitas
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour the warm caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, spreading it out to create an even layer.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, covering the top as evenly as possible.
6. Bake the Caramelitas
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
7. Cool Completely
- Allow the Caramelitas to cool completely before cutting into bars. This step is important as it allows the caramel to set. You can speed up the process by placing the dish in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
8. Cut and Serve
- Once cooled, cut the Caramelitas into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for dessert or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Caramel Substitutes: If you don’t have baking caramels, you can use caramel sauce as a substitute, but the bars may be a bit softer. Be sure to reduce the amount of heavy cream if using a sauce.
- Storage: Store Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.
- Chocolate Chips: You can mix in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a variation on the classic recipe.
Variations for Caramelitas
1. Peanut Butter Caramelitas
- Add ½ cup peanut butter to the melted caramel mixture for a peanut butter twist. You can also sprinkle peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips.
2. Nutty Caramelitas
- Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the oat mixture or sprinkle them on top of the caramel layer for added crunch and flavor.
3. Salted Caramel Caramelitas
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the caramel layer before adding the oat topping for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture, while quick oats will result in a finer, more uniform crust.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Caramelitas can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
3. How do I prevent the caramel from getting too hard?
Ensure the caramel and cream are well-melted and combined to achieve a smooth consistency. If refrigerated, let the bars come to room temperature before serving to soften the caramel.
Gooey and Delicious
These Caramelitas are a rich and decadent treat that combines a buttery oat crust with gooey caramel and chocolate layers. With a little effort, you can make this irresistible dessert that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you need a sweet indulgence. Enjoy the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, and gooey in every bite!
