Brown Butter Butterscotch Caramelitas

When it comes to desserts that are both irresistible and easy to make, few treats can compete with caramelitas. Now, imagine taking that classic recipe and giving it a gourmet twist: enter Brown Butter Butterscotch Caramelitas. With layers of nutty brown butter, chewy oats, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate, these bars are a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you're hosting a gathering, preparing a holiday dessert, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Brown Butter Butterscotch Caramelitas

Why You’ll Love These Caramelitas

1. Rich, Complex Flavor:The addition of brown butter transforms a humble crust into a rich, aromatic base. Its nutty, toasty undertones pair perfectly with the sweetness of butterscotch and caramel.

2. Easy to Make:While the flavor suggests a bakery-level dessert, these bars are surprisingly simple to whip up in your own kitchen with everyday ingredients.

3. Versatile Crowd-Pleaser:Whether you're bringing these to a potluck or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they strike the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent.

   
   

What Makes Brown Butter So Special?

Brown butter, or beurre noisette in French, is a culinary magic trick. By gently cooking butter until its milk solids caramelize, you unlock a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to sweet and savory` dishes alike. In these caramelitas, the brown butter not only enhances the oat crust but also complements the sweetness of the caramel and butterscotch, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.

If you've never made brown butter before, don't worry—it’s easy! Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and you'll be rewarded with a golden liquid that smells like heaven in a pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple pantry staples, making it both accessible and delicious. Here's what you'll need:

For the Caramel Sauce

• 32 caramel squares (unwrapped)

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• ½ cup butterscotch chips

  
  

For the Crust & Topping

• 1 1/4 cup browned butter (*see full brown butter instructions below)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

  
  
  
  

How to Make Brown Butter Butterscotch Caramelitas

1. Preheat & Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out for slicing.

  
  

2. Melt the Caramel Sauce:

• Combine the unwrapped caramel squares and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until smooth. Add in 1/2 cup butterscotch chips and stir until fully combined. Set aside to cool slightly.

  
  

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cup oats, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix until well blended.

  
  

4. Brown the Butter:

• Melt 1 1/4 cup of butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as it foams, then watch for the milk solids to turn golden brown. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool slightly.

  
  

5. Combine the Crust Mixture:

• Pour the brown butter into the dry ingredients and stir until a crumbly mixture forms.

  
  

6. Bake the Base Layer:

• Press half of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.

  
  

7. Layer the Filling:

• Sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Pour the caramel sauce over the top, spreading it gently to cover the chips.

  
  

8. Add the Topping:

• Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the caramel layer, covering it as evenly as possible.

  
  

9. Final Bake:

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

  
  

10. Cool Completely:

• Let the bars cool in the pan. For clean slices, chill them briefly in the fridge before cutting.

  
  

Brown Butter Butterscotch Caramelitas

Tips for Success

• Brown Butter Basics: If you’re new to browning butter, use a light-colored pan to easily see the color change. Remember to stir constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown.

• Even Slices: For picture-perfect bars, let the caramelitas cool completely before slicing. A warm dessert will be delicious but harder to cut neatly.

• Customize Your Flavors: Not a fan of butterscotch? Swap it for peanut butter chips or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

  
  

Serving Ideas

These caramelitas are amazing on their own, but you can elevate them even further:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.

• Wrap them individually as a sweet gift for friends and family.

  
  

Make Them Ahead of Time

Caramelitas are one of those desserts that actually taste better the next day. As they sit, the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to a month.

A Dessert to Impress

Brown Butter Butterscotch Caramelitas are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering or treating yourself, these bars deliver every time. The rich flavor of brown butter, the chewy oats, the creamy caramel, and the sweet chocolate layers combine to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Let us know if you try this recipe—we’d love to hear how it turns out! And if you have your own twists, share them in the comments. Happy baking! 🍪✨

* Instructions for Brown Butter

• Unsalted butter (use the amount your recipe requires; typically ½ cup or 1 stick for small batches)

  
  

Equipment

• A light-colored saucepan (to easily monitor the butter’s color)

• A heat-resistant spatula or whisk

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter:

   • Cut the butter into evenly sized pieces. This helps it melt uniformly.

2. Melt the Butter:

   • Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.

3. Cook the Butter:

   • Once the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Stir continuously and watch closely.

   • After a few minutes, the milk solids in the butter will sink to the bottom of the pan and start to brown. You’ll notice the butter turning a golden-brown color and releasing a nutty aroma.

4. Monitor the Color:

   • Keep a close eye on the butter as it changes color. The process can go quickly from browned to burned.

   • When the butter reaches a rich amber color and smells nutty, remove it from the heat immediately.

5. Strain (Optional):

   • If desired, pour the browned butter through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the browned milk solids. This step is useful if you want a smoother butter.

6. Cool and Use:

   • Allow the browned butter to cool slightly before using it in your recipe.

Tips

• Stay vigilant: Browned butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

• Use a light-colored pan: This makes it easier to monitor the color change.

• Make extra: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll find endless ways to use it in recipes like cookies, cakes, or savory dishes.