Description
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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Ingredients
For the Oat Crust & Topping:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup old-fashioned oats
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¾ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup caramel sauce or 35 unwrapped soft caramels
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2 tbsp heavy cream (only if using soft caramels)
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½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American