Caramelitas Bars Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for irresistible treats, this Caramelitas Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dessert. Imagine a perfectly balanced bar that combines a buttery oat crust with layers of rich caramel and melty chocolate, all baked to golden perfection. These bars are chewy, gooey, and packed with comforting flavors that bring nostalgia with every bite. Simple enough to make yet impressively decadent, these Caramelitas Bars are ideal for sharing with friends or sneaking a piece whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating the perfect Caramelitas Bars. From the warm sweetness of brown sugar to the creamy richness of the caramel, every component works together to bring out exceptional texture and flavor.
- 3/4 cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the oat crust.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides deep, molasses-sweet flavor for the cookie base.
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with aromatic warmth.
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bars while keeping them tender.
- 1 1/4 cup rolled oats or old fashioned oats: Creates a chewy, hearty texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust rise just enough to stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 40 caramel squares: The star ingredient that delivers gooey, luscious caramel layers.
- 1/3 cup heavy cream: Softens and smooths the caramel for easy pouring.
- 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds just the right amount of chocolate richness and texture contrast.
How to Make Caramelitas Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to grease it lightly. This prep step ensures your caramelitas will pop right out after baking and prevents any sticky situations with the caramel layer.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Mixture
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter until liquid. Whisk in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and aromatic. This combination is where the magic starts, lending a wonderful depth of flavor to your bars.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and half of the salt to the wet ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to mix everything until it forms a crumbly, well-incorporated dough. The combination of oats and flour creates that perfect chewy crunch you crave in caramelitas.
Step 4: Form the Base
Take about half of this oat mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the sturdy yet tender crust for your bars. Pop it into the oven and bake for around 10 minutes until the edges start setting but aren’t browned just yet.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Filling
While the crust is baking, melt the caramel squares with heavy cream and the remaining salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then heat again for another minute, stirring until perfectly smooth. This luxurious caramel sauce is what makes these bars unforgettable.
Step 6: Layer the Chocolate
Remove the crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the hot surface. The heat from the crust will soften the chocolate just enough to blend perfectly with the gooey caramel.
Step 7: Add the Caramel Layer
Pour the warm caramel sauce gently over the chocolate chips. The caramel slowly melts the chocolate slightly, creating those beautifully gooey pockets of sweetness throughout the bars.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Crust
Sprinkle the rest of your oat mixture over the caramel, pressing it gently to form a crusty, golden topping. This delicate balance of layers is what gives these bars their signature chewy-crisp charm.
Step 9: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the bars are set. The smell at this point will definitely make your kitchen feel like dessert heaven.
Step 10: Cooling and Slicing
Once out of the oven, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely. For best results and to keep those layers intact, chill the bars for at least three hours or overnight. This careful cooling step helps the caramel set perfectly, ensuring each square cuts cleanly with no sticky mess.
How to Serve Caramelitas Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special presentation, dust your Caramelitas Bars with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the visual appeal while adding contrasting freshness to these rich bars.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an adult twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cappuccino, allowing the creamy chill to balance the warm caramel and chocolate flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for sweet party favors or arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts and dried fruit for a charming dessert platter. Wrapping individual bars in parchment makes for great grab-and-go treats for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Caramelitas Bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their moisture without letting the caramel dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm caramelita, briefly microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and caramel layers without melting the oat crust too much. This little trick brings out the gooey goodness like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel squares?
It’s best to use caramel squares designed for melting to achieve the right texture and consistency for the caramel layer. Regular caramel candies may contain additional ingredients that affect melting and could make the caramel too runny or grainy.
What type of oats works best in this recipe?
Old fashioned rolled oats or rolled oats are ideal because they provide a chewy texture without overpowering the bars. Instant oats tend to get too soft and don’t hold up as well during baking.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can swap semi-sweet for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the right balance in the bars.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling helps the caramel set completely and prevents it from oozing out when you slice. This step ensures clean edges and an easier cutting experience, making your caramelitas look as good as they taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free caramelitas, simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free rolled oats. This swap maintains the texture while making the bars safe for gluten-sensitive friends or family.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a casual gathering or simply craving a sweet homemade treat, the Caramelitas Bars Recipe promises golden layers of buttery oats, rich caramel, and melty chocolate that are irresistibly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire. You’ll be smiling with every gooey, chewy bite!
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Caramelitas Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (including cooling and setting time)
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Carmelitas are chewy oat bars layered with rich caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips, all nestled between a buttery oat crust. Perfect for a sweet treat, these bars combine the textures of a cookie base with gooey caramel and melty chocolate, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Oat Crust and Topping
- 3/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cup rolled oats or old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
Caramel Layer
- 40 caramel squares
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Chocolate Layer
- 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the Cookie Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly and fully incorporated.
- Form the Base: Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly set.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel squares, heavy cream, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then microwave another minute. Stir until smooth and melted, avoiding overheating.
- Layer the Chocolate: Once crust is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.
- Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips to seep through.
- Top with Remaining Crust: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer. Gently press or tap down to form an even topping.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and set.
- Cooling and Slicing: Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. For best results, let it set overnight at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to ensure clean slicing and prevent caramel seepage before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- Using parchment paper makes removing the bars easier and prevents caramel sticking.
- Microwaving the caramel mixture in short intervals prevents it from seizing.
- Letting bars set overnight or for several hours is essential to achieve clean slices and ideal texture.
- Oats can be rolled oats or old-fashioned oats for better texture.
- Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
