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The Ultimate Caramelitas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

The Ultimate Carmelitas are deliciously chewy bars featuring a buttery oat crust layered with rich melted caramels and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These bars combine textures of crumbly oats and silky caramel with a sweet chocolate layer, perfect as indulgent treats or dessert bars.

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Crust

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole-rolled old fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Filling & Topping

  • 35 squares soft caramel candies (about 10–11 oz; Werther’s Soft Caramels recommended)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prep & preheat: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil, allowing the foil to extend beyond the pan edges to serve as handles later. Spray the foil generously with cooking spray to ensure easy bar removal.
  2. Make oat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the all-purpose flour, whole-rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Switch to a spatula and stir gently, combining until a thick, crumbly dough forms.
  3. Par-bake crust: Press roughly half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
  4. Melt caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped soft caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Alternatively, melt gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Layer bars: Remove the par-baked crust from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot crust, then pour the melted caramel sauce evenly on top. Finally, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
  6. Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and you see gentle bubbling in the caramel layer beneath.
  7. Cool completely (non-negotiable): Remove the pan and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This step is essential to let the caramel set properly; cutting too soon will cause it to run and lose its shape.
  8. Slice & serve: Once cooled and set, lift the bars out using the foil handles and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy your perfect caramelitas!

Notes

  • Use whole-rolled old fashioned oats for the best texture; avoid quick or instant oats as they will alter the chewiness.
  • Cooling the bars overnight ensures clean slicing and proper caramel set.
  • Werther’s Soft Caramels are highly recommended for a smooth, creamy caramel layer.
  • Spraying the foil properly prevents sticking and makes bar removal easier.
  • Microwave melting times may vary; always stir frequently to prevent burning the caramel.
  • For easier cutting, use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry between slices.

Keywords: Carmelitas, oat bars, caramel bars, baked dessert bars, chewy bars, caramel chocolate recipe

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/the-ultimate-caramelitas-recipe/