Lord help me, I couldn’t stop eating these after these came out of the oven

If you’ve ever bitten into a dessert that made you want another bite immediately, then you understand the magic of Caramelitas. These indulgent bars combine rich caramel, velvety chocolate, and buttery oats for a treat that is simultaneously chewy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible.

Caramelitas are more than just a dessert—they’re a family tradition, a nostalgic treat, and the perfect way to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving. With their layers of flavor and luscious textures, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast, so you might want to bake a double batch!

Why You’ll Love These Caramelitas

• Layered delight: Oats, chocolate, and caramel come together in perfect harmony.
• Chewy and buttery: Soft caramel and butter ensure each bite melts in your mouth.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake ahead and enjoy for days (if they last!).
• Versatile dessert: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or weekend treats.

Ingredients

Oat Crust & Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Caramel Layer

• 1 bag soft caramels (~11 oz)
• ½ cup heavy cream

Chocolate Layer

• 1 cup chocolate chips

Pan size: 8×8 inch baking pan
Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)

Tools & Equipment

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Small saucepan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and completely melted.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Oat Mixture

1. In a separate medium bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and baking soda.
2. Stir until fully combined into a uniform dough-like consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Bottom Layer

1. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
2. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 5: Add Chocolate and Caramel Layers

1. Remove the crust from the oven.
2. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the baked oat layer.
3. Pour the prepared caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Oat Mixture

1. Spread the remaining half of the oat mixture over the caramel layer.
2. Ensure the top layer is even to bake consistently.

Step 7: Bake the Caramelitas

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

Step 8: Serve

1. Slice into squares or rectangles.
2. Enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, and buttery layers of Caramelitas!

Tips & Variations

• Caramel flavor boost: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for salted caramel Caramelitas.
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the chocolate and caramel layers.
• Chocolate variation: Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on preference.
• Mini bars: Cut into bite-sized squares for parties or lunchboxes.
• Make-ahead: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Flavor Profile

• Taste: Sweet, buttery, and rich with a perfect balance of caramel and chocolate.
• Texture: Chewy oats, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate create layers of indulgence.
• Appearance: Golden-brown oat crust on top and bottom, with caramel-glazed chocolate peeking through.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per serving, assuming 16 squares)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	90 mg

Dietary notes: Vegetarian-friendly. Can be adapted to dairy-free by using vegan caramels and plant-based cream.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to a week; caramel may firm slightly but remains delicious.
• Freezing: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, a 9×9 inch pan works but may require slightly less baking time.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

3. How do I prevent caramel from hardening?
Cook over medium heat and stir continuously until fully melted. Adding heavy cream helps keep it smooth and pourable.

4. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Absolutely! Chunks create pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bars.

5. Are Caramelitas freezer-friendly?
Yes, individually wrap bars and freeze for up to 2 months.

Pro Baking Tips

• Press oat mixture firmly: This ensures a sturdy crust and top layer that holds together.
• Even layering: Distribute chocolate and caramel evenly to avoid uneven bites.
• Cool completely before slicing: Prevents gooey mess and allows clean cuts.
• Use quality caramels and chocolate: High-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	10 min
Make caramel layer	5 min
Prepare oat mixture	5 min
Assemble layers	5 min
Bake crust first	10 min
Bake full bars	20 min
Cooling	15–20 min
Total Time	~70 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Perfect with coffee or hot chocolate as a cozy dessert pairing.
• Great for gifting: wrap bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for holidays or celebrations.

Expanded Conclusion

Caramelitas are more than just a dessert; they’re a family tradition, a sweet memory, and a bite of pure comfort. Rich caramel, gooey chocolate, and buttery oats make each bite addictive and irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and cravings for seconds. Start creating your own Caramelita story today, and savor every golden, chocolatey, caramel-filled bite!

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