If you love buttery, gooey, chocolatey treats with a hint of salty caramel, then Caramelitas are your next must-bake dessert. These indulgent oatmeal cookie bars layered with rich chocolate and smooth caramel are taking the internet—and dessert tables—by storm. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, Caramelitas deliver everything you want in a sweet bite: texture, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. Bonus? They’re surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Caramelitas Recipe
Here’s why Caramelitas might just become your go-to dessert:
- Irresistibly gooey layers of caramel and chocolate melt into a buttery oat crust.
- Beginner-friendly and easy to make with pantry staples.
- Customizable – add nuts, sea salt, or swap in different chocolates.
- Perfect for any occasion – potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
- Freezer-friendly – make a big batch and save some for later!
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Caramelitas
These are the key components that make Caramelitas truly unforgettable:
- Old-fashioned oats – Give the crust and topping a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Helps bind the oat mixture into a perfect bar base.
- Brown sugar – Adds rich molasses sweetness and chewiness.
- Butter – Provides moisture and creates that irresistible buttery crumble.
- Caramel candies – Melt into the gooey, sticky center that defines Caramelitas.
- Heavy cream – Combines with the caramels for a smooth, pourable filling.
- Chocolate chips – Melty, rich chocolate adds depth and sweetness to every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Caramelitas
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. - Make the Oat Crust
In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the bottom of your prepared pan. - Bake the Base
Bake for 10 minutes to form a slightly golden, firm crust. - Prepare the Caramel Filling
While the crust bakes, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth. - Assemble the Layers
Remove crust from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the base, then drizzle melted caramel on top. - Add the Topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer. - Bake to Perfection
Return to oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbling. - Cool and Set
Let the bars cool completely—preferably chilled—before slicing for clean, gooey squares.
Expert Tip: Chill before cutting to prevent a sticky mess. Use a hot knife for smooth, perfect slices.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Use sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-salty flavor explosion.
- Swap caramel candies with homemade salted caramel for a richer flavor.
- Try dark or white chocolate chips depending on your taste.
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that gooey, fresh-baked texture.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about that caramel life, you won’t want to stop at just Caramelitas. Check out these other crave-worthy caramel treats that are just as rich, sweet, and unforgettable:
- 🍏 Caramel Apple Fudge: A creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with layers of apple flavor and buttery caramel.
- 🥃 Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian: A decadent, dessert-style cocktail that’s smooth, boozy, and perfect for cozy nights.
- ☕ Caramel Frappuccino: Your favorite coffeehouse drink made at home—blended to creamy perfection with rich caramel drizzle.
These caramel-packed recipes pair perfectly with your sweet tooth and are just a click away!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Caramelitas ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Do I have to use caramel candies?
You can also use soft caramel sauce or make your own with sugar, butter, and cream.
What kind of oats work best?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for the chewy texture. Avoid instant oats—they’ll turn mushy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly (add 5–7 minutes).
Caramelitas are the ultimate dessert bars for anyone craving gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and a buttery oat crust—all in one bite. They’re quick to make, completely addicting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try them for your next baking session and see why everyone is obsessed. Don’t forget to share your batch and tag us with your creations!
Caramelitas
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- All-purpose flour
- Light brown sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter melted
- Soft caramel candies
- Heavy cream
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- While baking, melt caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Remove crust from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over crust, then drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Crumble remaining oat mixture over the top.
- Bake for another 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely (preferably refrigerate) before slicing into bars.