Chocolate Caramelita Bars
Delicious chocolate caramelita bars feature a crunchy oat crust topped with chocolate and nuts, drizzled with caramel, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Combine oatmeal, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter flavor Crisco, water, soda, and salt; mix well.
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture; press the remaining into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
- Top with chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
- Mix caramel and 1/4 cup flour until smooth; drizzle over the chocolate pieces, leaving 1/4 inch from the pan edges.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top.
- Bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you like a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the oat mixture for extra warmth. Ensure the caramel is smooth to avoid clumping when drizzling. If you prefer a nut-free option, simply omit the chopped nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Caramelita Bars are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a delicious contrast in temperature. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For an added touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. They make a great dessert or snack for gatherings, complementing a variety of meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. If you want to reheat, place the bars in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them slightly, enhancing their gooey texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Caramelita Bars contains roughly 371 calories, with 6g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% 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 a different type of nut in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or even almonds for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size as the recipe suggests for even distribution throughout the bars.
What can I use instead of butter flavor Crisco?
If you don't have butter flavor Crisco, you can use regular unsalted butter in the same quantity. You may also try coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor to the finished bars.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even more delicious when served. Just remember to reheat them slightly for the best texture.
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).