Carmelitas

Carmelitas are rich, buttery cookie bars layered with gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and a soft oat-brown sugar crust. With a perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and melty textures, these bars are as indulgent as they come. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or just a sweet craving, Carmelitas are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carmelitas are incredibly easy to make but taste like something you’d get from a high-end bakery. The combination of oats, brown sugar, caramel, and chocolate creates a decadent treat that’s hard to resist. They require no mixer, come together quickly, and can be made ahead of time. These bars are the ultimate dessert for caramel lovers and make great gifts or party treats.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Old-fashioned oats
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Soft caramels or caramel bits
• Heavy cream
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
4. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. While the base is baking, combine caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until smooth and melted.
6. Remove the base from the oven and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
7. Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
8. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top and gently press it down.
9. Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Cool completely before cutting into bars. For cleaner cuts, chill the bars for an hour before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cool time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and richness to each bite.
• Use dark chocolate: Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• Salted caramel twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top crust.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Try different chips: Use peanut butter or white chocolate chips for a fun variation.

storage/reheating

Store Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

To freeze, layer the cooled bars between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

No reheating is required, but you can warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for an extra gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Thick, high-quality caramel sauce may work, but melted soft caramels provide a firmer, more stable layer for slicing.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Yes, heavy cream helps create a smooth, rich caramel layer. Milk or half-and-half may result in a thinner consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of oats should I use?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. Avoid quick oats, which can make the crust too soft.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate. For the caramel, look for vegan caramel or make your own with coconut milk.

Why did my bars fall apart?

Make sure the bars are fully cooled before slicing. Chilling them in the fridge helps them set properly for clean cuts.

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Yes, chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks melt beautifully and work just as well.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Melt the caramels over low heat and stir constantly. Don’t overheat—just melt until smooth.

Can I use pre-made cookie dough?

Carmelitas are best made with the oat crust, but in a pinch, you could press a pre-made oatmeal cookie dough into the base and crumble more on top.

What’s the best way to cut clean bars?

Chill them first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.

Conclusion

Carmelitas are a decadent, bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With their layers of buttery oat crust, melted chocolate, and gooey caramel, these bars are pure indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

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