Easy Caramelitas Recipe

If you’re looking for a chewy, gooey, buttery treat with layers of chocolate, oats, and caramel, this Easy Caramelitas Recipe is your new go-to dessert. Made with a simple oat-based crust, melted caramel, and rich chocolate chips, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or just a sweet craving at home, they come together with pantry staples and zero fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Gooey – Melted caramel and chocolate make every bite melt in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients – No fancy tools or techniques required.
Quick to Assemble – Only 10 minutes of prep time.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks, parties, and lunchbox treats.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores beautifully and even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Oat Crust & Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce or 35 unwrapped soft caramels
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (only if using soft caramels)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or spoon
• Saucepan (if melting caramels)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Mixture
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Pour in melted butter and stir until well mixed and crumbly.

Step 2: Bake the Bottom Layer
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Filling
If using soft caramels:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
If using jarred caramel sauce: warm it slightly and stir in vanilla extract if desired.

Step 4: Layer the Filling
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust.
Pour caramel sauce evenly on top of the chocolate chips.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer—don’t worry about covering it completely.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Return pan to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean bars. For quicker setting, chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Caramelitas
Let Them Set – For clean slices, cool completely before cutting.
Use Quality Caramel – A rich, thick sauce or soft caramels yield the best gooey texture.
Don’t Skip the Oats – Old-fashioned oats give the bars chewiness and structure.
Customize – Add chopped pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.
Double the Batch – Use a 9×13 pan and double all ingredients for a party-size tray.

Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream – Top warm bars with a scoop of vanilla for the ultimate dessert.
Coffee Companion – The rich, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with a strong brew.
Holiday Cookie Swap – A standout in any cookie box.
Picnic Favorite – Easy to transport and eat by hand.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate: For firmer texture, store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

• Freeze in layers with parchment between them for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating:

• Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and slightly less chewy.

2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the oat mixture.

3. What kind of caramel works best?
Thick, high-quality jarred caramel or classic soft caramels melted with cream give the best results.

4. Can I add nuts?
Absolutely—try chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds in the oat topping or sprinkled over the caramel.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.

Final Thoughts
These Easy Caramelitas are the kind of dessert that tastes like you spent hours baking—but take just minutes to prep. Gooey, rich, and totally irresistible, they’re the perfect mix of buttery oats, melted chocolate, and silky caramel. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or treating yourself on a weeknight, they’re bound to become a new favorite.

Bake a batch and share your sweet success—don’t forget to tag your Caramelita creations online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Sodium: 160mg

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