Easy Caramelitas Recipe

Buttery, gooey, and loaded with chocolate and caramel, this Easy Caramelitas recipe is the ultimate dessert bar that hits all the right notes. With a soft oatmeal crust, melty chocolate chips, and rich caramel sauce sandwiched in between, these bars are a decadent treat that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gooey & Irresistible – The caramel-chocolate center melts right into every bite.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples come together to create pure dessert magic.
One Bowl, No Fuss – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday trays.
Freezer Friendly – Make ahead and stash extras for future cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for mixing with caramel)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Pinch of sea salt for topping

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula or spoon for spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Crust and Crumble
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and moist.
Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Base
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the filling.

Step 4: Layer the Fillings
In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with 1 tbsp flour (this helps it thicken as it bakes).
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the partially baked crust.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the chocolate layer.
If using nuts, sprinkle them over the caramel.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Let cool completely before slicing—chilling helps the bars set nicely.

Tips for Best Results
Use Good-Quality Caramel – A thick sauce holds up best for gooey layering.
Don’t Skip the Parchment – It makes removing and slicing much easier.
Cool Completely – Let them set before cutting to avoid a sticky mess.
Double the Batch – These go fast, and they freeze beautifully.
Customize – Try using dark chocolate chips or adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Serving Suggestions
With Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm bars with a scoop for a decadent dessert.
Holiday Cookie Tray – A rich, crowd-pleasing addition.
Coffee or Espresso – Perfect with a bold drink to balance the sweetness.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel – For the true caramel lover.
Gift Boxes – Wrap squares in parchment and tie with string for edible gifts.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate: Store for up to 1 week for firmer bars.

Freezing:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm for 10–15 seconds for melty chocolate and gooey caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
2. Can I make my own caramel?
   Absolutely. Homemade caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor—but store-bought works great too.
3. Can I use quick oats?
   Old-fashioned oats give the best chewy texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
4. What kind of chocolate chips are best?
   Semi-sweet is classic, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips work just as well.
5. Why add flour to the caramel?
   It helps thicken the caramel during baking so it doesn’t ooze out too much when sliced.

Final Thoughts
Easy Caramelitas are everything you want in a dessert—chewy, buttery, chocolatey, and rich with caramel in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a cozy treat, this no-fuss bar recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Whip up a batch, slice into squares, and get ready to fall in love!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 140mg

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