Description
These Soft & Chewy Carmelitas are rich, buttery dessert bars layered with oats, chocolate chips, and gooey caramel for an easy recipe that works for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, dessert ideas, and sweet snack cravings. With a chewy oat crust, melty chocolate center, and golden crumb topping, this simple homemade dessert is the perfect make-ahead treat for anyone who loves caramel chocolate bars.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup thick caramel sauce or melted soft caramels
3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.
4. Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until lightly set and pale golden.
6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped nuts evenly over the warm crust.
7. Stir the caramel sauce with the heavy cream until smooth, then pour it evenly over the chocolate and nuts.
8. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer without pressing it down.
9. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the top is golden and the caramel bubbles around the edges.
10. Cool completely in the pan, then chill for cleaner slices before cutting into bars.
Notes
Do not slice the Carmelitas while they are still warm, because the caramel needs time to set. Cooling completely, and chilling if possible, gives you clean squares with the best chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: Soft & Chewy Carmelitas, Carmelitas, caramel chocolate bars, oat dessert bars, easy dessert recipe, dessert ideas, bake sale treats, potluck desserts