Print

Carmelitas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

This Carmelitas recipe features a buttery oat and flour cookie base topped with a decadent layer of milk chocolate and gooey caramel, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite. Ideal for dessert lovers craving a delightful homemade treat with rich caramel and chocolate layers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Base

  • 1½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1½ cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup salted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Chocolate and Caramel Layer

  • 1½ cups milk chocolate chips
  • 11 ounces individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, old fashioned oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir in the melted salted butter and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
  3. Form the Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the oat-flour mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the cookie base layer.
  4. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the pressed base layer in the baking pan.
  5. Prepare Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels with the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the caramels melt fully and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour Caramel over Chocolate: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the layer of chocolate chips, spreading gently if needed to cover completely.
  7. Add Remaining Crumb Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining oat-flour mixture evenly over the caramel layer, pressing down lightly to adhere but keeping some crumbly texture.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling slightly around the edges.
  9. Cool and Set: Remove the Carmelitas from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, place on a cutting board, and cut into squares.

Notes

  • Ensure caramel is melted slowly over low heat to avoid burning or graininess.
  • Press the base layer tightly for better structural integrity.
  • Use parchment paper to easily remove the Carmelitas from the pan without breaking.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Carmelitas, caramel bars, oat cookie bars, chocolate caramel dessert, homemade dessert bars

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/carmelitas-recipe/