Servings
Font
Back
0 from 3 votes

Carmelitas

Soft, chewy Carmelitas are stuffed with caramel and chocolate in a oatmeal crust!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 517 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Crust
  • 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
For the filling
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chopped
  • 40 soft caramels unwrapped
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven 350ºF. Line an 8” square baking pan with baking parchment or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  2. Add the oats, flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda and sea salt to a large bowl and mix to combine.
  3. Pour in the melted butter and mix until all the ingredients in the bowl are completely coated with the butter.
  4. Put 2/3rds of the crust into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down. With clean hands, use your fingers to press the mixture into an even layer. The warmth from your hands will make the process easier.
  5. Put the pan into the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, make the caramel by putting the unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream into a small saucepan set over a low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the caramels have melted. Remove from the heat and reserve 2 tablespoons of the caramel sauce into a separate bowl (you will use this for drizzling later). Set the caramel aside for now.
  7. When the base of the Carmelitas has had 10 minutes in the oven, take the pan out and sprinkle over the chocolate chips and chopped chocolate.
  8. Pour the caramel in an even layer over the top. Spoon the remaining oats and flour mixture on top, press down gently.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the Carmelitas are a light golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and leave to set in the pan for an hour or so. Turn the Carmelitas out and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 equal squares.
  11. Drizzle over the reserved caramel and serve.

Notes

  • Can You Use Quick Oats Instead Of Old-Fashioned Oats?
  • Can You Use Quick Oats Instead Of Old-Fashioned Oats?
  • You can use quick cooking oats but your bars won’t be as chewy.
  • Can You Use Other Kinds Of Chocolate?
  • Can You Use Other Kinds Of Chocolate?
  • I recommend using chocolate chips and chopped chocolate for the best texture. The chopped chocolate melts really well while the chocolate chips will hold their shape adding texture. You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate chips, or dark chocolate. Or, use a combo.
  • Can You Use A Different Size Baking Pan For This Recipe?
  • Can You Use A Different Size Baking Pan For This Recipe?
  • You can use a 9” square baking pan but your bars will be thinner and crispier. You can make a double batch and bake them in a 9×13” baking pan.
  • Tips For The Best Carmelita Bars
  • Tips For The Best Carmelita Bars
  • Use chopped chocolate and chocolate chips for the best gooey chocolate center!
  • Don’t overbake the bars otherwise they won’t be as soft and chewy.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper to make it easy to lift the bars out in one piece before you slice them. Do this while they’re still a little warm so they’re easy to slice.
  • Leftover bars can be reheated to soften the caramel and chocolate filling.

Nutrition Information

Calories 517kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 69g (23%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 45mg (15%) Sodium 236mg (10%) Potassium 262mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 47g (94%) Vitamin A 524IU (10%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 90mg (9%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 517

% Daily Value*

Calories 517kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 69g 23%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 45mg 15%
Sodium 236mg 10%
Potassium 262mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 47g 94%
Vitamin A 524IU 10%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 90mg 9%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.