Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

I don't recommend it. Quick oats absorb moisture differently and will change the texture of the bars. Old-fashioned (rolled) oats give that perfect chewy texture that makes Caramelitas special.

What if I can't find baking caramels?

You have options! You can use about 1 cup of caramel sauce, though the layer might be a bit softer. Alternatively, unwrap about 35-40 regular soft caramel candies and melt those with the cream instead.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes, but keep an eye on them and look for that golden top and bubbling caramel as indicators they're done.

Why did my caramel layer disappear into the crust?

This typically happens if the bottom crust wasn't baked long enough before adding the caramel. Make sure to bake that bottom layer for the full 10 minutes to create a stable surface for the caramel and chocolate.

Irresistible Caramelitas Recipe

These Caramelitas are the perfect marriage of buttery oat crust, rich chocolate, and gooey caramel all in one decadent bar. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these crowd-pleasing treats that taste like they came from a high-end bakery. Trust me, these will disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of buttery oat layers with melted chocolate and smooth caramel creates an absolutely divine flavor profile that hits all the right notes.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! Nothing fancy required to make these impressive bars.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars actually taste even better the next day, making them perfect for preparing ahead for gatherings or special occasions.
Crowd-Pleaser: I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t fall in love with these bars. They’re universally adored by kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates that rich, tender texture in the oat mixture. The melted butter binds everything together beautifully.
Flour: Provides structure to the oat mixture and helps create the perfect bar texture.
Old-fashioned oats: These give the bars their signature hearty texture and nutty flavor. Don’t substitute with quick oats as they’ll change the texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor to the oat mixture. The molasses in brown sugar pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Baking soda: Just a teaspoon helps give a slight rise to the oat mixture, preventing it from becoming too dense.
Baking caramels: These are the star of the show! They melt down into that gorgeous, gooey middle layer that makes these bars irresistible.
Heavy cream: Helps thin out the caramels for the perfect pourable consistency and adds richness to the caramel layer.
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, creating pockets of melty chocolate throughout the bars that complement the caramel beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Nutty Caramelitas

Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the oat mixture for added crunch and flavor dimension.

Salted Caramelitas

Sprinkle a teaspoon of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the final oat layer for that amazing sweet-salty combination.

Chocolate Lover’s Caramelitas

Use half semi-sweet and half dark chocolate chips, or go wild with chunks of your favorite chocolate bar instead of chips.

Fruity Twist

Add ½ cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries to the chocolate layer for a fruity contrast to the caramel sweetness.

How to Make Caramelitas

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. The parchment paper method makes cleanup a breeze and ensures perfect bars every time.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

In a small saucepan, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until completely smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The constant stirring prevents the caramel from burning, so don’t skip this step! Once smooth, set aside while you prepare the oat mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Oat Layers

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, old-fashioned oats, and baking soda. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and slightly crumbly but holds together when pressed. This mixture will serve as both the bottom crust and top layer of your bars.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake (First Round)

Press half of the oat mixture firmly into your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom. Bake this bottom layer for 10 minutes until it’s just starting to turn golden around the edges.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate and Caramel

Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Next, pour the warm caramel mixture over the chocolate layer, trying to cover it evenly.

Step 6: Add the Top Layer and Finish Baking

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the caramel layer. Don’t worry about creating a solid layer – the crumbly texture on top is part of the charm! Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 18-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

This is the hardest part – waiting! Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even overnight before slicing into 16 squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Line your pan with parchment: This makes removal and cleanup infinitely easier, plus prevents any sticking.
Let the bottom crust cool slightly: After the initial 10-minute bake, give the crust a minute to firm up before adding chocolate chips.
Be patient with cooling: These bars need proper cooling time to set up. Rush this step and you’ll end up with a delicious but messy situation!
Clean knife between cuts: When slicing, wipe your knife clean between cuts for the neatest presentation. A warm knife also helps slice through the caramel layer more easily.

How to Serve

Caramelitas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

As a Standalone Dessert

Serve a square on a small plate with a fork for an elegant dessert option at dinner parties or family gatherings.

With Ice Cream

Place a warm square (just microwave for 15 seconds) in a bowl topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Coffee Pairing

These bars pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or espresso, with the bitterness of the coffee balancing the sweetness of the bars.

Holiday Cookie Trays

Cut into smaller pieces and include them on holiday cookie trays for a standout treat among regular cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerating

For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. The chilled texture is delightful, especially in warmer weather!

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy a frozen or refrigerated bar, either let it come to room temperature naturally or microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked gooey experience.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

I don’t recommend it. Quick oats absorb moisture differently and will change the texture of the bars. Old-fashioned (rolled) oats give that perfect chewy texture that makes Caramelitas special.
What if I can’t find baking caramels?

You have options! You can use about 1 cup of caramel sauce, though the layer might be a bit softer. Alternatively, unwrap about 35-40 regular soft caramel candies and melt those with the cream instead.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes, but keep an eye on them and look for that golden top and bubbling caramel as indicators they’re done.
Why did my caramel layer disappear into the crust?

This typically happens if the bottom crust wasn’t baked long enough before adding the caramel. Make sure to bake that bottom layer for the full 10 minutes to create a stable surface for the caramel and chocolate.

Final Thoughts

These Caramelitas aren’t just another dessert recipe – they’re a game-changer for anyone who loves the magical combination of caramel, chocolate, and buttery oats. I’ve brought these to countless gatherings and always leave with an empty container and requests for the recipe. The beauty lies in their simplicity and reliability – they turn out perfectly every time with minimal effort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these bars deserve a permanent spot in your dessert rotation!