Caramelitas Recipe

Introduction

Carmelitas are a delightful layered bar combining a chewy oat base, rich caramel, and melty chocolate. This easy-to-make treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole-rolled old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 35 caramel squares
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil; spray with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 90 seconds. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to the mixture; stir until combined.
4. Step 4: Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: While it bakes, combine caramel squares and heavy cream in another bowl; heat until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: After baking, sprinkle chocolate chips over the base layer and pour warm caramel on top.
7. Step 7: Crumble the remaining mixture over the caramel layer and return to the oven for another 15-18 minutes.
8. Step 8: Cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or add chopped nuts to the oat mixture for extra crunch.
• If you prefer a softer caramel layer, reduce the baking time slightly in the final step.
• Line the pan with foil for easy removal and cleaner slices.

Storage

Store the caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel squares?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought caramel sauce—just warm about 1 cup of sauce and pour over the base layer instead of melting caramel squares with cream.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the baking pan with aluminum foil and spraying it with cooking spray ensures easy removal and clean-cut bars.

Caramelitas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Deliciously chewy and gooey Carmelitas featuring a buttery oat-based crust layered with melted caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This easy-to-make dessert blends a crisp oat crust with a luscious caramel-chocolate filling, baked to perfection in under an hour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Crust

• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole-rolled old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer

• 35 caramel squares
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 90 seconds. Stir in the light brown sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, whole-rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined into a uniform batter.
4. Form Base Layer and Bake: Spoon half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake this base layer for 10 minutes in the preheated oven to set it slightly.
5. Melt Caramel Filling: While the base bakes, combine the caramel squares and heavy cream in another microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture until the caramel is fully melted and smooth, stirring as needed.
6. Add Chocolate and Caramel Layers: After removing the pan from the oven, immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the baked base layer. Then pour the warm, melted caramel evenly over the chocolate chips.
7. Add Crumbled Top Layer and Final Bake: Crumble the remaining half of the oat mixture over the caramel layer, distributing it evenly to cover. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-18 minutes until the top is golden and set.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the Carmelitas from the oven and cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the foil to remove from the pan and slice into 12 squares for serving.

Notes

• For easier removal, let the Carmelitas cool completely before slicing.
• You can substitute caramel squares with caramel sauce if preferred; adjust the cream quantity for consistency.
• Using light brown sugar adds a nice molasses flavor, but dark brown sugar can be used for a richer taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• If you prefer a nuttier texture, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Carmelitas, caramel dessert, oat bars, chocolate caramel bars, easy baked dessert, gooey caramel bars