Easy Caramelitas Recipe
Irresistible 3-layer bars with buttery oats, gooey caramel, and chocolate chips. Perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats old-fashioned oats work best
- ¾ cup melted butter unsalted, cooled slightly
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed firmly
- 1 teaspoon baking soda fresh for optimal rise
- 11 oz bag soft caramels unwrapped, room temperature
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream 35% fat content preferred
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- Combine caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar. Add flour, oats, and baking soda. Stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half the oat mixture into prepared pan using bottom of measuring cup.
- Bake for 10 minutes until edges begin to set. Remove and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot surface.
- Pour warm caramel mixture over chocolate chips, distributing evenly.
- Crumble remaining oat mixture over caramel layer (don't pack down).
- Bake 20-22 minutes until top is golden brown.
- Cool completely in pan for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Notes
Don't rush the caramel melting process - low and slow prevents burning
Room temperature ingredients blend more easily
For clean cuts, chill bars for 30 minutes before slicing
Store covered at room temperature up to 5 days
Can be frozen up to 3 months wrapped individually
Room temperature ingredients blend more easily
For clean cuts, chill bars for 30 minutes before slicing
Store covered at room temperature up to 5 days
Can be frozen up to 3 months wrapped individually
