Few desserts can spark joy quite like a batch of Caramelitas buttery, chewy oat bars layered with melted chocolate and gooey salted caramel. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy family night in, these indulgent bars deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
This easy, family-friendly recipe brings together everyday ingredients and turns them into a treat everyone will remember. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible Caramelitas right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Perfect Caramelitas
Creating the ultimate Caramelitas starts with pantry staples that come together for a rich, buttery base and luscious caramel filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
💡 Pro Tip: Homemade salted caramel works beautifully here just let it cool until it’s pourable before layering.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instruction
Follow these simple steps to bake perfect Caramelitas every time:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the base.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously on top of the chocolate layer.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars and serving.
🕒 Tip: Patience pays off! Cutting while warm can cause the caramel to ooze out. Cooling ensures perfect, chewy layers.
Tips for the Best Caramelitas
Here are a few tips to ensure your Caramelitas turn out soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced:
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth, even dough.
- Avoid overbaking — remove the bars once the top is golden and set.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Customize: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
For more irresistible family desserts, visit our recipe collection and explore treats everyone will love.
❓ FAQs About Caramelitas
What makes Caramelitas different from regular cookie bars?
Caramelitas have a signature three-layer structure — a chewy oat base, a chocolate middle, and a layer of gooey salted caramel — setting them apart from ordinary cookie bars.
Can I use homemade salted caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel elevates the flavor and texture. Just be sure it’s thick but pourable before layering it into the bars.
How long do Caramelitas last?
When stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 7 days. Refrigerating them can extend their shelf life.
Can I freeze Caramelitas?
Yes — these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🍫 Conclusion
Caramelitas are more than just a dessert — they’re a memory in the making. With every chewy, chocolatey, caramel-filled bite, this recipe reminds us that the best family moments often start in the kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for a school event, a cozy evening, or simply to treat yourself, Caramelitas are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Bake a batch today — your family will thank you later!
Print
Caramelitas
Caramelitas are delicious bars featuring layers of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and creamy salted caramel, perfect for family gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually mix this dry ingredient mixture into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the pressed oat layer, then drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the chocolate chips.
- Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top, covering the caramel and chocolate layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and do not overbake the bars to maintain their chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg