Indulge in a divine blend of buttery oats, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate with these irresistible Caramelitas. Each bite is soft, chewy, and decadently sweet — the perfect dessert bar for any occasion.
A Bite of Sweet Nostalgia
If I could capture my childhood in one recipe, it would be these Caramelitas. The memory of warm caramel and chocolate filling our home on lazy Saturday mornings is something I’ll never forget.
My mom first discovered these treats on a family road trip — a little bakery in the countryside served something so heavenly, she had to ask for the recipe. Once she recreated it at home, it became an instant family classic. Now, every time I bake them, that familiar scent brings those moments rushing back — laughter, love, and the comforting hum of a busy kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Caramelitas
These bars are pure dessert magic! A buttery oat crust and crumble sandwich layers of rich, melted caramel and chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s chewy, crisp, and indulgent all at once.
- Simple to make – No complicated steps or special tools required.
- Perfectly balanced – Sweet, salty, and buttery in every bite.
- Crowd-pleasing – Great for bake sales, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
- Customizable – Add nuts, dark chocolate, or even sea salt for your own twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Butter: Use unsalted and melted for a rich, chewy crust.
Old-fashioned oats: Give that hearty, rustic texture you can’t get from quick oats.
Brown sugar: Light or dark — both work beautifully, but dark adds more depth.
All-purpose flour: Holds the oat crust together perfectly.
Baking soda: Helps the crust stay light and crumbly.
Baking caramels: Choose quality — they melt smoother for that luscious layer.
Heavy cream: Makes the caramel rich and silky.
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, or a mix of both for balance.
How to Make Caramelitas
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the caramels with the heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda. Stir until well blended.
- Build the Layers: Press half of the oat mixture into the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Add the Filling: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Pour the melted caramel over the chocolate, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake Again: Return to the oven for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. (Trust me — it’s worth the wait!)
Storage Tips
If you can resist eating them all at once, store your Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Let them return to room temperature before serving — the texture is best when slightly soft and chewy.
Variations & Substitutions
- For extra crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- For more depth: Use dark chocolate chips or drizzle with sea salt caramel.
- For a lighter twist: Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk.
- For smoother texture: Try quick oats instead of old-fashioned.
Final Thoughts
These Caramelitas are the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes with the first bite — sweet, buttery, nostalgic, and truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself (no judgment here), this recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings.
So go ahead — preheat that oven, unwrap those caramels, and treat yourself to a little slice of happiness
Caramelitas Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 11 oz baking caramels
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make caramel: In a saucepan, melt the caramels with heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare oat mixture: In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda until well combined.
- Form crust: Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Layer filling: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Pour the caramel mixture over the top, then crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and slice: Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up t