Caramelitas are rich, gooey bars layered with a buttery oat crust, creamy caramel, chocolate chips, and a crumbly oat topping. These indulgent treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple weekend dessert. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, caramelitas are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Caramelitas :

1. Rich and Decadent: The combination of caramel, chocolate, and a buttery oat crust creates the ultimate dessert experience.
2. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these bars a breeze to whip up.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Slice them into bars for parties, potlucks, or gifting.

Ingredients :

For the Oat Mixture:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Caramel Filling:

• 38 caramels, unwrapped (1 bag; 11 ounces)
• ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Caramelitas :

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Oat Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
2. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is just combined.
3. Spoon half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press it evenly into the bottom and corners to form a crust.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy whipping cream.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the caramels are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

1. Once the crust is done baking, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.
2. Pour the warm caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, spreading it gently to cover them.
3. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, ensuring it covers the top evenly.

Step 5: Bake

1. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is lightly browned.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the caramelitas to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles for serving.

Storage Instructions :

• At Room Temperature: Store caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place bars in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Perfect Caramelitas :

1. Cool Before Cutting: Let the caramelitas cool completely before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
2. Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and keeps cleanup simple.
3. Cool Butter Before Mixing: Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients to achieve the best dough texture.
4. Stir Constantly: When making the caramel sauce, stir it constantly to prevent burning.
5. Press Crust Firmly: Press the bottom crust into the edges and corners of the pan to create a sturdy base for the layers.

FAQs About Caramelitas :

1. Can I Use Homemade Caramel Instead of Store-Bought?

Yes, homemade caramel can be used in place of store-bought caramels. Ensure it has a thick, creamy consistency similar to the melted caramel mixture.

2. Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned Oats?

Old-fashioned oats are recommended for their texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. The bars may have a slightly softer texture.

3. How Do I Make Clean Cuts?

Allow the caramelitas to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest slices.

4. Can I Add Nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the oat mixture or sprinkled on top of the caramel layer for added crunch.

5. How Long Should I Cool the Caramelitas?

Cool them in the pan until they reach room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator for an additional 30-60 minutes for easier slicing.

These Caramelitas are the ultimate indulgent treat. Their gooey caramel center, rich chocolate chips, and buttery oat crust come together to create a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a special treat at home, caramelitas are guaranteed to please every sweet tooth!

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Yield: 16 bars

Caramelitas

Print

These Caramelitas are the ultimate indulgent treat. Their gooey caramel center, rich chocolate chips, and buttery oat crust come together to create a dessert that’s simply irresistible.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 28 minutes

Cooling Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 48 minutes

Ingredients

• Oat Mixture:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Caramel Filling:
• 38 caramels, unwrapped (11 ounces)
• ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
• Additional:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add melted butter and vanilla. Stir until combined.

Press half the oat mixture into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Melt caramels and cream in a saucepan, stirring until smooth.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Pour caramel sauce evenly over the chips.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Nutrition (per bar):Calories: 230 | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 12g | Protein: 2g

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