If you’re anything like me, the allure of a rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert is hard to resist, which is exactly why you need to try this Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe. These bars combine the chewy, wholesome goodness of rolled oats with luscious caramel and melty chocolate chips to create a dessert that’s both comforting and decadently satisfying. Whether you want a treat for a family gathering or just a sweet pick-me-up, these bars hit the perfect balance of textures and flavors to keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your dessert arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, contributing to the perfect blend of chewy, buttery, and sweet elements that make these bars unforgettable.
- Rolled oats: Provides a hearty, chewy texture that adds wholesome goodness.
- Melted butter: Brings richness and helps bind the oats and flour together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure so your bars hold together without crumbling.
- Brown sugar: Imparts deep caramel notes and a subtle molasses flavor.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them light.
- Soft caramels (about 11 oz): The star ingredient delivering smooth, sweet caramel goodness.
- Chocolate chips: Adds bursts of melty chocolate that contrast the caramel perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Used to melt the caramels into a luscious, silky sauce.
How to Make Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan to keep your bars from sticking, then preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepping your pan ahead means a smooth baking process and easy cleanup later, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a small saucepan, combine your soft caramels with the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until everything melts into a smooth, velvety caramel sauce. This decadent layer is the heart of your Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe, delivering that perfect gooeyness.
Step 3: Make the Oat Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and baking soda. Mix until everything is well incorporated—this mixture forms both the base and the topping of your bars, providing that wonderful chewy-crispy texture.
Step 4: Press the Base
Take half of your oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pressing firmly ensures the bars hold their shape and bake up with a satisfying crunch on the bottom.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Once it’s out, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust, then pour the luscious caramel mixture on top. The warmth will start melting the chocolate, creating irresistible layers of flavor.
Step 6: Add the Top Layer
Spread the remaining oat mixture gently over the caramel and chocolate layers. Press it lightly so it sticks, but don’t compact it too much—you want that top layer to bake up golden and slightly crispy.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Return the bars to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown. This final bake sets all the layers together and gives you bars with a perfect contrast of gooey and crunchy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, it’s crucial to let the bars cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off when you slice them into neat squares that hold their shape, ready to be enjoyed one bite at a time.
How to Serve Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate your Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe? Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top to enhance the caramel’s sweetness or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add an extra crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
These bars are incredible on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes them even more indulgent. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea perfectly complements the caramel and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, serve your Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries for a pop of color. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They keep their chewy and gooey texture beautifully, making them perfect for snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make them ahead or save some for later, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked feel, warm your bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This will soften the chocolate and caramel layers, making each bite feel fresh and melty again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide the best texture for these bars. They hold their shape better and offer that satisfying chewiness that defines this recipe.
What type of caramels work best?
Soft caramels are ideal because they melt smoothly with the heavy cream to create that luscious caramel layer. Avoid hard candy caramels, as they may not melt evenly.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Chopped chocolate bars or even white chocolate chips can be interesting twists. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How thick should I cut the bars?
Cutting into approximately 9 to 12 squares works well—thin enough to enjoy multiple bites but thick enough to hold all those layers together.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these bars without gluten.
Final Thoughts
Making the Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe is a delightful way to bring a touch of homemade magic into your kitchen. The blend of chewy oats, rich caramel, and melty chocolate captures the essence of comfort food with a special twist. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved dessert in your household, no matter the occasion.
Print
Caramelitas Oatmeal Dessert Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Caramelitas are decadent layered bars featuring a buttery oat crust, a luscious caramel filling, and a generous topping of chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, they combine chewy, crunchy, and gooey textures for an irresistible treat ideal for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Oat Crust and Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Caramel Filling
- 1 bag soft caramels (around 11 oz)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even baking environment.
- Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the caramel melts completely and the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Oat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and baking soda until evenly combined to create the oat base and topping mixture.
- Press the Base: Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until it begins to set. Remove the pan from the oven, then evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the warm crust and pour the prepared caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, spreading as needed.
- Add the Top Layer: Spread the remaining half of the oat mixture over the caramel layer carefully, pressing gently to cover the filling completely without mixing layers.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top layer turns golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the caramelitas to cool completely in the pan to let the filling set. Once cooled, cut into 9 to 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use an 8×8-inch pan to ensure the bars bake evenly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely to prevent the caramel from being too gooey when cut.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, use salted butter in the oat mixture.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped nuts for added texture.
