Carmelitas: A Delicious Oat and Caramel Cookie Bar Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the rich, gooey delight of diving into a bite of freshly baked Carmelitas. This scrumptious dessert combines layers of oatmeal cookie base, sweet caramel, and chocolate chips for a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with ease.

This dessert first made an impression on my family at a summer picnic when my grandmother brought a batch to the table. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone gathered around to savor the mesmerizing mix of caramel and chocolate. It turned out to be the highlight of the day, sparking countless discussions and requests for the recipe. A testament to its irresistible charm, these bars quickly became a cherished family tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors. The chewy oatmeal base pairs perfectly with the creamy caramel and melty chocolate, creating a balanced treat. It is incredibly easy to make, requiring basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for Carmelitas are simple yet effective. You’ll need old-fashioned oats, which contribute to the chewy texture, bakery-style caramel squares for the perfect gooey layer, and quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for added richness. If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make removing the baked bars much easier.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3

Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter and stir it into the dry mixture until evenly incorporated. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base layer. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 4

While the base is baking, melt caramel squares with 1/3 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Pour this caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading evenly.

Step 5

Sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the caramel layer, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Storage Options

Store your Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds to the oat mixture. To cater to dietary restrictions, replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel. Add a dash of sea salt on top for a salted caramel version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! Carmelitas can be prepared a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, cool them completely, and store in an airtight container. They taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to blend together.

What type of oats should I use? Old-fashioned oats are recommended for this recipe because they provide a hearty and chewy texture. Quick oats might make the base too soft, altering the intended texture of the bars.

How do I ensure the caramel sets properly? Make sure to cook the caramel and cream mixture until smooth and fully melted. If you need extra assurance, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the caramel to help it set more firmly. Be sure to cool the bars completely before cutting to maintain structure.

Carmelitas: A Delicious Oat and Caramel Cookie Bar Recipe

Carmelitas are indulgent dessert bars layered with buttery oats, melty chocolate, and gooey caramel. With just a few simple ingredients, these soft and chewy bars are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and sticky.

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Course: Dessert

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 cup 1/2 lb unsalted butter, melted
• ▢ 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ▢ 1 11 oz bag soft caramels, unwrapped
• ▢ 1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
• Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• Make the Oat Crust:
• In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt, mixing until well combined.
• Press and Bake Base Layer:
• Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
• While the base bakes, combine caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
• Assemble the Layers:
• Sprinkle chocolate chips over the baked crust. Pour melted caramel evenly on top. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
• Bake Again:
• Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges bubble slightly.
• Cool Completely:
• Let bars cool in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the layers set for clean cuts.