Caramelitas Recipe

I absolutely love this Caramelitas Recipe because it’s that perfect combination of chewy, gooey, and crunchy all in one bite. When I first tried making caramelitas, I was amazed at how something so simple with oats, caramel, and chocolate chips could turn out to be such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making these for a casual snack, a potluck, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, these bars always hit the spot.

You’ll find that the rich caramel and melty chocolate pair wonderfully with the oat crumble base and topping. This Caramelitas Recipe works really well when you want something homemade but not overly complicated — it’s all about layering those flavors and textures in one baking dish, so you get a bit of everything in each square.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that each ingredient in this Caramelitas Recipe plays an essential role — from the oats for hearty crunch to the soft caramel that oozes golden sweetness. When shopping, look for good-quality caramels and chocolate chips to really elevate the flavor.

• All-purpose flour: This gives the oat base structure so it holds up well after baking.
• Old-fashioned oats: Use these for texture; quick oats can make the bars too mushy.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends better and controls the saltiness in the bars.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle molasses flavor that complements caramel perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the overall sweetness without overpowering.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors without being too sharp.
• Soft caramels: These melt down to form that classic gooey layer — don’t skip this step!
• Whole milk: Helps smooth out the caramel and thin it slightly for easy spreading.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled in the caramel layer, it adds that irresistible sweet-salty pop.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Scatter these over the crust for a rich chocolate surprise under the caramel.

Variations

I love how versatile this Caramelitas Recipe is — it’s easy to tweak based on your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative because these bars make an excellent canvas for many flavors.

• Add chopped nuts: I often add toasted pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture for extra crunch and a nutty twist that my family loves.
• Swap chocolate types: Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate are tasty alternatives if you want to switch up sweetness levels.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and flour blend to accommodate gluten intolerance without sacrificing texture.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon in the oat base creates a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall baking.

How to Make Caramelitas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 13″x9″ baking pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper—this little trick saves you from scrubbing and makes cutting squares much easier. Make sure the parchment hangs over the edges for easier lifting once the bars are done.

Step 2: Mix the Oat Crumble Base

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. I like to use clean hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the blend turns crumbly but starts sticking together when squeezed. Don’t overwork the dough—it’s fine to have some loose crumbles. Then press half of this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create the crust layer.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Bake the crust for about 12 minutes or until it just starts to turn golden around the edges. This step is key because it sets the foundation, so your caramelitas don’t end up soggy. Once baked, cool the crust for 10 minutes — this prevents the caramel from sliding off when you pour it later.

Step 4: Melt the Caramel

While the base cools, melt the soft caramels with whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally for about 12 minutes until everything is smooth and creamy. Adding that pinch of flaky sea salt here is what really “wakes up” the flavors — I discovered this little secret after trying the recipe a few times.

Step 5: Layer Chocolate, Caramel, and Topping

Scatter the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Immediately pour the melted caramel over the chocolate and gently spread it out — the heat will soften the chips underneath, creating a luscious layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture on top and gently press down to flatten as much as possible without packing it too tight.

Step 6: Final Bake and Cool

Bake the assembled caramelitas for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the oat topping is golden brown and you see caramel bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely right in the pan — patience here rewards you with cleaner cuts and the perfect gooey texture.

How to Serve Caramelitas Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving — it contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Sometimes, I dust a little powdered sugar for a festive look when bringing these to parties.

Side Dishes

Caramelitas themselves are rich, so I like pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert. A hot cup of coffee or robust tea is also the perfect companion for these bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the bars into small bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered dessert stand or gift them wrapped in parchment tied with colorful twine. It always makes a lovely impression when giving as homemade treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out, and they actually taste better after sitting a day or two as the flavors meld.

Freezing

If I want to keep them longer, I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate again — but be careful not to overheat, or the oat topping might get too soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Caramelitas Recipe has become a staple in my baking rotation because it’s both easy and so irresistibly delicious. I love sharing it with friends who always ask for the recipe afterward, and I think you’ll enjoy making and eating these bars just as much. Give it a try the next time you want something sweet but not fussy — I promise you’ll end up with a new favorite treat!

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