Oatmeal Carmelita Bars

Oatmeal Carmelita Bars are a rich, chewy dessert made with a buttery oat crumble, silky caramel, and melted chocolate layered together into one irresistible treat. They have the comforting texture of an oatmeal cookie but with a decadent caramel-chocolate center that makes them feel extra special.

The beauty of these bars is the contrast between the crisp, golden edges, soft oatmeal layers, gooey caramel, and chocolate. They are simple enough for an everyday dessert but impressive enough to bring to a party, bake sale, potluck, or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Crumble

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
• ½ cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings

• A small pinch of flaky sea salt
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Extra chocolate chips for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some parchment hanging over the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the finished bars from the pan.

Lightly grease the parchment and the exposed sides of the pan.

2. Make the Oatmeal Mixture

Place the melted butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add the vanilla extract and stir it through.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together so the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything comes together into a thick, crumbly dough.

The mixture should hold together when pressed but should still have a slightly crumbly texture.

3. Bake the Bottom Layer

Set aside approximately ⅓ of the oatmeal mixture for the top layer.

Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.

Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, just until the base begins to turn lightly golden around the edges.

Do not overbake it at this stage. The bars will continue baking after the filling is added.

Remove the pan from the oven and let the base cool for a few minutes.

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