Name: Carmelitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Gooey, buttery, and utterly indulgent, Carmelitas are the kind of dessert bars I turn to when I want something comforting yet impressive. With layers of oat crumble, molten chocolate, and rich caramel, these bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and crisp. Whether I’m baking for a holiday, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, this is a recipe I know will always deliver.

Ingredients

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

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1(11 oz) bag caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or giving it a light grease.

In a large mixing bowl, I combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

Then I mix in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to create a crumbly dough.

I press half of this mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust and bake it for 10 minutes.

While the crust is baking, I melt the caramel bits with heavy cream in the microwave, using 30-second bursts and stirring between each until it’s smooth and pourable.

Once the crust is out of the oven, I sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot base.

I pour the melted caramel over the chocolate layer, gently spreading it out.

I crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.

Then I return the pan to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling at the edges.

It’s important to let the bars cool completely so the caramel can set before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: 365 kcal

Variations

I like switching up the chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a deeper flavor. Sometimes I mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping for extra texture. If I’m feeling festive, I’ll sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer for a salted caramel twist. For a gluten-free version, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled and sliced, I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them with parchment between the layers and thaw them at room temperature. I don’t usually reheat them, but if I want that gooey just-baked texture, I microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

What are Carmelitas made of?

Carmelitas are dessert bars made from layers of buttery oat crumble, semisweet chocolate chips, and a rich caramel filling. The oat mixture serves as both the crust and the topping.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

I stick with old-fashioned rolled oats because they give the bars a heartier texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but can make the bars more cakey and less chewy.

How do I keep the caramel from becoming too hard?

Letting the bars cool completely helps the caramel set properly, but using heavy cream in the caramel keeps it soft and gooey even after cooling.

Can I make Carmelitas ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often bake them a day in advance. They store well and even taste better after resting, as the layers meld together.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

While it’s optional, I like lining the pan with parchment because it makes removing and slicing the bars much easier with clean edges.

Conclusion

Carmelitas are the kind of timeless treat that never disappoints. With rich layers of chocolate and caramel nestled between buttery oats, they bring just the right amount of indulgence to any occasion. I love how easy they are to make, and I know they’ll always be the first dessert to disappear.

📖 Recipe:

Carmelitas

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Gooey, buttery Carmelitas dessert bars made with layers of oat crumble, melted chocolate, and rich caramel. Perfectly chewy and crisp, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.