Gooey Caramelitas Bars

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re searching for the perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and crunchy, look no further than these homemade Caramelitas Bars. Packed with rich melted caramel, layers of chocolate, and a buttery oatmeal cookie crust, this recipe is a dream for dessert lovers. Whether you need a decadent potluck treat, a bake sale hit, or a cozy dessert for family night, these easy caramel oatmeal bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery oatmeal crust with a rich, chewy texture

• Gooey caramel and melted chocolate in every bite

• Quick and easy recipe with pantry staples

• Crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion

• Perfect for freezing and gifting

Ingredients Breakdown

Oat Crust & Topping:

• Rolled Oats (1 cup): Adds a chewy, hearty texture to the crust and topping.

• Melted Butter (¾ cup): Binds the oat mixture and creates a rich, tender crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides structure for the base and top layer.

• Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the bars and gives a hint of caramel flavor.

• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the crust rise slightly and stay tender.

Caramel Filling:

• Soft Caramels (11 oz bag): The star of the recipe—melts into a gooey, sweet layer.

• Heavy Cream (½ cup): Thins and smooths the caramel, making it pourable and luscious.

Chocolate Layer:

• Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melts into the bars for a rich, chocolatey middle.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip the cooling step: Cutting too soon will cause the bars to fall apart

• Line your pan with parchment paper: Makes for easy lifting and clean edges

• Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for richer flavor

• Microwave the caramel sauce gently if it thickens before pouring

Variations and Customizations

• Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch

• Use gluten-free oats and flour to make it gluten-free

• Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for salted caramel bars

Serving and Pairing Ideas

• Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream

• Great addition to holiday cookie trays or dessert buffets

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 5–6 days

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are preferred for their chewy texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch with slightly less texture.

What kind of caramels should I use?

Soft caramel candies (like Kraft or Werther’s Soft Caramels) work best for smooth melting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time by 5–10 extra minutes.

Gooey Caramelitas Bars

---

• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Caramelitas – Buttery oat layers sandwich rivers of melted chocolate and luscious caramel in these iconic bars. Warm, gooey, and impossible to resist—a nostalgic treat that’s always a hit

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 11 oz soft caramels (about 1 bag, unwrapped)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soft caramels and heavy cream. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Oat Crust

In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 4: Assemble the Base

Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the base.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Remove the base from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the hot crust.
Pour the warm caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, gently pressing it down to form a loose top crust.

Step 7: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares. The caramel sets as it cools, so be patient for the best texture.

Notes

• For firmer bars, chill them for 30 minutes before slicing

• Cut with a sharp, clean knife for perfect edges

• These bars are rich—smaller pieces go a long way!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?