Caramelitas
Caramelitas are indulgent bar cookies featuring a crunchy oatmeal crust, gooey caramel layer, and chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, soda, and salt together in a bowl.
- Add melted butter and crumble the mixture; set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Melt the caramels in a heavy saucepan or double boiler.
- Add 5 tablespoons of milk to the melted caramels and stir until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped nuts, and the reserved crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for an additional 20 minutes, then cool and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option. If you don't have caramels, homemade caramel sauce works well too. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweet and salty flavor profile. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Caramelitas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm cup of coffee. They also pair well with Peggy'S Lemon Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, drizzle them with melted white chocolate or serve with fresh berries. Great for parties or as a sweet snack!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Caramelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through, ensuring they remain chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramelitas contains roughly 727 calories, with 13g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add some for the right texture. The overall flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the bars will still taste delicious.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, or even white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips. Nuts can also be omitted or replaced with seeds for added crunch.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs attached. Keep in mind they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).