Caramelitas

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Caramelitas are gooey caramel oatmeal bars with a buttery oat crust, a thick caramel layer, and melted chocolate. They bake up soft, rich, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy chocolate caramel treat.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 353kcal

Author: Cara Lanz

Equipment

8x8 baking pan or 9x9 pan, for thinner bars
parchment paper

Ingredients

Oatmeal Cookie Crust

¾ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
¾ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Chocolate Caramel Filling

10 oz. caramel squares, unwrapped, about 32
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup pecans, chopped, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 and line an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
In a large bowl, melt butter in the microwave. Whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes.
While the crust bakes, melt the caramels, cream, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans onto the baked crust. Pour the caramel over the chocolate chips. Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture on top. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired.
Bake 15-18 more minutes or until light golden brown and the caramel is bubbly around the edges. Cool in pan completely before cutting. For cleanest cutting, chill in the refrigerator.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.
For thinner bars, use a 9x9 pan. You may need less baking time.

Nutrition