Name: Carmelitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to mix with caramel)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Buttery oats, rivers of dreamy caramel, and silky pools of chocolate—if there was ever a dessert bar that demanded to be shared (or secretly stashed away just for you), it’s Carmelitas. This bake is truly love at first bite! Packed with comforting, familiar ingredients that, together, create a swoon-worthy blend of gooey, chewy, and crunchy layers, Carmelitas are the kind of treat you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Whether you need a memorable potluck dessert or a cozy weekend project, Carmelitas are destined to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Carmelitas so special is how each simple ingredient builds flavor and texture. Every item plays a role—from the rich oats to the gooey caramel—so don’t skip a thing if you want that signature magic in every bite.

All-purpose flour: This forms the base and stability of both the crust and crumb topping, holding the bars together beautifully.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds that beloved chewy texture and subtle nutty flavor Carmelitas are known for.
Light brown sugar: Infuses a warm, caramel-like sweetness and moisture that ties everything together.
Baking soda: Lends a slight lift to the crust and topping, preventing them from becoming dense.
Salt: Just a pinch, but it balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted: Drives the rich, buttery taste and ensures a decadent crumb throughout.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Provides luscious, melty pockets that contrast beautifully with the oats and caramel.
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The gooey star of the show—choose your favorite brand or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
All-purpose flour (to mix with caramel): This tiny bit helps thicken the caramel layer so it sets up nicely after baking.

How to Make Carmelitas

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make the bars easy to lift out later. This simple step makes serving and cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Build the Oatmeal Crust and Crumble

In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, then stir everything together until the mixture is crumbly and evenly mixed—it should look like very moist sand. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a firm, even crust. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes to set.

Step 3: Mix the Caramel Layer

While your base bakes, stir 1 tablespoon of flour into the caramel sauce. This quick trick helps thicken the caramel just enough so it doesn’t ooze out everywhere later, giving you clean bars with a perfectly gooey—but not runny—center.

Step 4: Layer on the Chocolate and Caramel

Remove the pan from the oven. Scatter the chocolate chips evenly across the warm crust. Then drizzle the thickened caramel sauce over the chocolate chips in a smooth layer, making sure it covers every edge for even gooeyness in every bite.

Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping and Bake

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, letting a little caramel peek through here and there for that classic rustic look. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 18–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the caramel bubbles flirtatiously at the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Chill for Perfect Slices

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely at room temperature. For the cleanest cuts (and neatly layered bars), set the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. This patience is the hardest part, but your Carmelitas will look and taste amazing!

How to Serve Carmelitas

Garnishes

Carmelitas deserve a little extra love! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—the contrast turns each bite into pure sweet-salty bliss. You could also drizzle a touch more caramel or even a few chocolate shavings for a bakery-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your Carmelitas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence, or serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter twist. A hot cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate doesn’t hurt, either.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the bars into tiny bites and arrange them on a dessert board alongside fresh fruit and other cookies. Or, stack them in cute bakery boxes tied with twine for heartfelt gifts everyone will be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, Carmelitas keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Layer parchment between the bars to avoid sticking, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Freezing

Carmelitas are freezer-friendly! Place the cooled, cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment for best results. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you crave a sweet fix.

Reheating

If you love that “just-baked” warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate will get melty and the caramel extra gooey, making every bite taste fresh from the oven.

FAQs

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

Old-fashioned oats deliver the best chewy texture in Carmelitas, but in a pinch, quick oats can work—they just make the bars a bit softer and less substantial. Avoid instant oats, as they tend to get mushy.

What’s the best way to cut Carmelitas cleanly?

For neat, bakery-style squares, make sure your bars are fully chilled. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If you’re in a hurry, placing the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes helps too!

Can I make Carmelitas gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as delicious and gooey.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Definitely recommended—parchment makes lifting and slicing Carmelitas so much easier, with zero risk of sticking or crumbling. If you’re out, a well-greased pan will work, but the bars may be trickier to remove neatly.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes! Homemade caramel makes these bars extra special. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up when baked (adding the tablespoon of flour will help). Store-bought works wonderfully too for convenience.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Carmelitas, now’s the time—your kitchen will smell amazing, your friends will ask for the recipe, and your sweet tooth will do a happy dance. Trust me, these gooey, chocolatey, caramel-packed bars are pure magic. Give them a try and watch them disappear!

Carmelitas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and gooey goodness of Carmelitas, a delightful dessert treat that combines the flavors of caramel and chocolate in every bite. These oatmeal caramel bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to mix with caramel)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Create the Crust: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and melted butter. Press half into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: Mix caramel sauce with flour. Layer chocolate chips over the crust, pour caramel mixture, and crumble remaining oat mixture on top.
Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Cool, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.