Carmelitas

Rich and indulgent dessert bars full of chocolate and caramel.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

2 30

Total Time 3 20

Servings

Calories 516kcal

Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Stir together ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted, ¾ cup packed light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Then add in 1 cup all purpose flour, ¾ cups old fashioned oats and ½ teaspoon baking soda and stir well to make a dough.
Press half of the mixture into the baking dish and bake for ten minutes.
While the base is baking, add 11 ounce bag caramel bits and ⅓ cup heavy cream to a medium saucepan until all of the caramels are melted, this can take about 7 to 10 minutes on medium to low heat, do not use high heat. Stir constantly so they don't burn.
Once the base is done baking, sprinkle 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips onto the warm base layer.
Then pour on the caramel sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining flour/oat mixture evenly on top.
Bake on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes, let cool completely (at least 2 1/2 hours) before cutting into 9 slices to enjoy.

Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
The parchment paper just makes it easier to remove and slice after they are cooled. You can spray with nonstick cooking spray but it'll be just a bit more tricky to slice and serve.