Caramelitas Recipe

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Delicious homemade Caramelitas with chocolate and caramel layers.
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Why Make This Recipe

Caramelitas are the perfect sweet treat for anyone who loves a delicious blend of caramel, chocolate, and oats. They are easy to make, and they balance chewiness with a crunchy top. Whether you are baking for a party, a potluck, or just to enjoy at home, these bars are a sure hit. Plus, they come together quickly and satisfy your sweet tooth without a lot of fuss.

How to Make Caramelitas

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (320 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 (11-oz) bag soft caramels
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly and can be pressed together. Set aside half of this mixture for the topping.
  3. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 12 minutes, until it is lightly golden, then cool for 10 minutes.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with the milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then add a pinch of flaky sea salt and stir to combine.
  5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour the warm caramel sauce on top and spread it gently to cover the chocolate chips.
  6. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer and press it lightly.
  7. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the bars are golden and bubbly around the edges. Let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.

Caramelitas

How to Serve Caramelitas

Caramelitas are best served at room temperature. Cut them into small squares or bars and place them on a serving platter. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a warm glass of milk. You can also add a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra treat!

How to Store Caramelitas

To store caramelitas, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Caramelitas

  • Make sure to soften the butter before mixing. This helps to combine the ingredients better.
  • Do not over-bake the caramelitas; they should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
  • You can tweak the chocolate chips by using milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the chocolate layer for extra crunch. You can also use flavored caramels, like sea salt or chocolate caramel, for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but old-fashioned oats will give you a better texture in the caramelitas.

2. What can I use instead of soft caramels?
If you can’t find soft caramels, you can use caramel sauce or make your own homemade caramel.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour, and check that the oats are certified gluten-free.

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Caramelitas

Deliciously chewy bars made of caramel, chocolate, and oats, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 37 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust and Topping
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats Quick oats can be substituted, but will change the texture.
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened Make sure to soften the butter for better mixing.
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Filling
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Can replace with milk or dark chocolate chips.
  • 1 (11-oz) bag soft caramels Alternatively, use caramel sauce.
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • Pinch flaky sea salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly and can be pressed together. Set aside half of this mixture for the topping.
  3. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 12 minutes, until it is lightly golden, then cool for 10 minutes.
Filling
  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with the milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then add a pinch of flaky sea salt and stir to combine.
  2. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour the warm caramel sauce on top and spread it gently to cover the chocolate chips.
  3. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer and press it lightly.
Baking
  1. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the bars are golden and bubbly around the edges. Let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.

Notes

To store caramelitas, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

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