The Golden Caramelitas Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Chocolate and caramel lovers will adore these decadent caramelitas that melt hearts with every single bite.

Sweet layers of gooey goodness create a dessert experience beyond ordinary expectations.

Buttery oatmeal cookie crumbles provide a perfect crisp foundation for rich caramel swirls.

Minimal ingredients combine into maximum flavor, making this treat surprisingly simple to assemble.

Warm cookies fresh from the oven promise pure indulgence that lingers deliciously on your palate.

Craving something impossibly delectable?

You should definitely dive right into making these irresistible bars.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these caramelitas disappear from your serving plate.

Caramelitas: Ooey-Gooey Caramel Squares

• Quick and Easy Treat: Whip up these delightful caramelitas with minimal prep and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Irresistible layers of buttery oat crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate create a dessert that will wow family and friends at gatherings.
• Versatile Baking Project: Perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress, with straightforward steps that guarantee a delicious result every single time.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping nuts or adding extra toppings to match your personal taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.

Gather Caramelita Must-Haves

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the caramelitas.
• Rolled Oats: Adds texture and a hearty flavor to the crust and topping.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a rich, deep sweetness to the entire dessert.
• Baking Soda: Helps the crust achieve a light and crisp texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Butter: Melted butter binds the dry ingredients together and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Chocolate Chips, Pecans: Add delightful richness and crunch to the caramelitas.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides a gooey, sweet layer that makes these bars irresistibly decadent.

Bake Caramelitas at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light grease.

Lay down a sheet of parchment paper to make cleanup and removal a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• Flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Bring in the Butter

Pour in melted butter and mix until the ingredients transform into a delightful, crumbly texture.

Step 4: Build the Foundation

Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a solid base.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until it turns a beautiful light golden color.

Step 5: Layer on the Deliciousness

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped pecans (optional)

Drizzle caramel sauce evenly across the surface, ensuring every inch gets some sweet love.

Step 6: Crown with Crumble

Scatter the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.

Gently press down to create a unified topping.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling caramel edges.

Step 8: Cool and Devour

Allow the caramelitas to cool completely.

Slice into squares and prepare for a mouthwatering experience.

Caramelita Tips for Success

• Line the baking dish with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Mix the oat mixture until it forms loose, sandy crumbs that will press together easily without being too compact.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor, and consider a mix of dark and milk chocolate for depth.
• Allow caramelitas to cool completely to ensure clean, neat squares that hold their shape when cut.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their flavor and provide a deeper, more complex nutty profile.

Caramelita Recipe Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Caramelitas: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, gooey texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Caramelitas: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and create a homemade caramel sauce using coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Nutty Seed Variation: Substitute pecans with a mix of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chopped almonds for a different crunch and nutritional profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, sugar-free chocolate chips, and a low-carb caramel sauce made with sugar alternatives.

Serve Caramelitas for Dessert

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these decadent caramelitas with a steaming cup of vanilla latte or rich hazelnut coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Sidekick: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the caramel and chocolate flavors.
• Party Presentation: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for potlucks, gatherings, or as a delectable dessert platter centerpiece that will impress guests.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper with a cute ribbon for a homemade edible gift that friends and family will adore.

Caramelita Storage Tips

• Store cooled caramelitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they're away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed caramelitas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

FAQs

• Are Caramelitas difficult to make?

No, they’re surprisingly easy! The recipe involves simple steps like mixing dry ingredients, pressing a crust, adding layers, and baking. Even beginner bakers can successfully create these delicious bars.

• Can I skip the pecans?

Absolutely! Pecans are optional. If you don’t like nuts or have allergies, simply omit them without changing the other ingredients. The chocolate and caramel will still taste amazing.

• What kind of caramel sauce works best?

Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce both work great. Just ensure it’s a thick, smooth sauce that will hold up during baking. Avoid thin or runny caramel sauces.

• How do I know when Caramelitas are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling caramel around the edges.

Caramelitas Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Chocolate and caramel lovers will adore these irresistible Caramelitas, a rich dessert blending buttery oats, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate chips. Crisp edges and melting center make these bars a perfect indulgence for sweet-craving souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate and Nut Addition:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Seasoning and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease and parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a dry foundation for the dessert.
3. Incorporate melted butter into the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture transforms into a crumbly, cohesive texture.
4. Firmly compress half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, forming a solid base. Bake for 10 minutes until achieving a light golden hue.
5. After removing the crust from the oven, strategically distribute chocolate chips and pecans across the surface, then generously drizzle caramel sauce, ensuring an even coverage.
6. Delicately scatter the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, gently pressing to create a unified topping.
7. Return the dish to the oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown and caramel bubbles emerge around the edges.
8. Allow the caramelitas to cool completely, ensuring structural integrity before slicing into delectable squares for serving.

Notes

• Customize the texture by adjusting the oat mixture’s consistency, ensuring a crisp yet chewy base that complements the gooey caramel layer.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Try different chocolate varieties such as dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor profiles that suit individual preferences.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, adding extra crunch and healthy fats to the caramelitas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 221
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg