Carmelitas

They are a little on the messy side but so worth it. Just a quick tip, it’s best to read the recipe all the way through before getting started.

There are several different parts and steps, and the bars have to set in the fridge for a while before serving. 

These bars are best made over the weekend or on a day where you’ll have plenty of time to devote to baking.

Since this recipe contains several steps, I’ve included them in the post and included some tips, as well as, a condensed version in the recipe card.

Within a day or two of the post going live, there will also be a video showing the process.

If you watch the video through until the end, you’ll see what happens when the Chocolate Oat Carmelita Bars are cut just a wee bit too soon.

It’s really important to let them cool completely. More about that later.

Prep the Pan:

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Cover an 8 x 8-inch pan completely with parchment paper.

The parchment paper should wrap around the sides to ensure the contents don’t spill over into the pan while cooking.

Using parchment paper helps with clean up and keeps the gooey caramel from sticking to the sides.

Make the Crust:

Using a hand or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, salt and flour into a soft dough resembling loose cornmeal.

The dough should hold together when pressed.  

Place the dough into the prepared pan and press evenly to cover the bottom. Cook the mixture on 325°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking times may vary depending on pan type and oven. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

The caramel sauce is easy to make and only takes a few minutes.  I like to use Kraft Caramel Bits or Kraft Caramel Squares depending on what’s available at the grocery store.

The squares will take a bit longer simply because they have to be unwrapped.

Either way, place the contents of the entire bag of caramels into a saucepan with the heavy cream.

Cook over medium heat while stirring every couple of minutes until the mixture will begin to melt. At that point, constantly stir to keep it from burning.

After the caramel has melted and is combined with the heavy cream, it’s ready to be added to the crust.

Before adding the caramel, sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cooled crust.

Next, carefully pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips.

Make the Top Crust:

Using a mixer or a large spoon and mix the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.

The mixture will be thick and should hold together when pressed. Using your fingers or a spoon, place the mixture on top of the caramel in a layer.

It’s okay if some of the caramel seeps through.

Cook the Carmelitas:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pan in the oven and cook for 15 minutes.

Caramel may begin to bubble slightly and oat topping will start to brown. Be careful not to overcook because the caramel will burn.

Remove the carmelitas from the oven and allow them to cool for about 30 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator.

Cool and Serving:

Place the pan of carmelitas in the fridge and allow to chill until set. This is where I messed up in the video, and I knew better.

It was later, and I was trying to get the video finished. I didn’t leave the bars in the fridge quite long enough, so the chocolate and caramel was a hot mess. Quite literally!

The good thing about the caramel sauce in this recipe is that it will still be gooey even after refrigeration.  

Cut the dessert into squares and serve. After the carmelitas cool in the refrigerator, remove and place on the counter for storing.

More Dessert Recipes

• Tres Leches Cupcakes
• Key Lime Pie
• Apple Butter Hand Pies
• Cinnamon Roll Cake