The Best Gooey Carmelitas Recipe: Homemade Caramel Bliss

Layered chocolate and caramel bars have tantalized dessert lovers for generations, with carmelitas representing a pinnacle of sweet indulgence.

These decadent treats combine soft, buttery oats with rich, gooey caramel and smooth chocolate chips in a harmonious blend.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures that dance across your palate, melting into a luxurious experience.

Crisp edges contrast with a molten center, creating a sensory adventure that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Homemade carmelitas revamp ordinary afternoons into moments of pure culinary joy, offering comfort and excitement simultaneously.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients merge, producing a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Crafted with precision and passion, these bars represent more than just a recipe—they’re an invitation to savor life’s delicious moments.

Why Carmelitas Are Rich, Chewy, and So Worth It

• Indulge in Gooey Caramel Chocolate Bliss: These carmelitas offer an irresistible combination of melted chocolate and smooth caramel nestled between buttery oatmeal layers that create a mouthwatering dessert experience.
• Quick and Easy Homemade Treat: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delectable bars in under an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Textural Wonderland of Crunch and Softness: The recipe delivers a delightful contrast between crispy oatmeal crust, silky caramel, and rich chocolate chips, ensuring every bite provides a satisfying sensory adventure.
• Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner, planning a potluck, or seeking a comforting weekend dessert, carmelitas fit seamlessly into any social setting and always impress with their decadent charm.

Ingredients to Make the Best Homemade Carmelitas

• Flour, Oats: Provide structure and hearty texture for the crust, with old-fashioned rolled oats offering the best chewiness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Baking Soda: Helps the crust achieve a light, crisp texture.
• Melted Butter: Creates richness and helps ingredients stick together.

• Chocolate Chips: Classic semi-sweet chips melt beautifully and provide rich chocolate flavor.
• Caramel Squares: Soft, chewy caramels that create a smooth, gooey center when melted.
• Heavy Cream: Helps transform caramel squares into a silky, pourable sauce.

• Sea Salt: Optional topping that enhances the sweet-salty flavor profile of the dessert.

How to Layer and Bake These Gooey Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Silky Caramel Sauce

• Caramel squares
• Heavy cream

Melt ingredients over low heat, stirring until perfectly smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Oatmeal Crust Blend

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Baking soda

Mix until ingredients form a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Build First Crust Layer

Press half the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Decadence

Sprinkle chocolate chips across the warm crust. Gently pour the caramel sauce over chips, creating a luxurious layer.

Step 6: Top With Remaining Crumble

Scatter remaining oatmeal mixture over caramel layer. Return pan to oven and bake 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 7: Cool And Slice

Remove from oven and let carmelitas cool completely. Cut into squares and serve these gooey, irresistible treats.

Tips for Keeping Them Soft but Not Messy

• Master the Caramel Consistency: Melt caramel and cream slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a silky, smooth texture.
• Distribute Crust Evenly: Press the oatmeal mixture gently but firmly into the pan, ensuring a uniform base that bakes perfectly crisp and golden.
• Chocolate Chip Strategy: Sprinkle chocolate chips in an even layer to guarantee a consistent chocolate taste in every delectable bite.
• Prevent Overflow: Use a slightly larger pan if needed to avoid messy caramel spillage during baking.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow carmelitas to cool completely before cutting to help them set properly and maintain their beautiful layered structure.

How to Store and Reheat Carmelitas If You Have Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store cooled carmelitas in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed carmelitas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and gooey.

What Drinks or Treats Go with These Cookie Bars

• Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Pair these decadent carmelitas with a robust dark roast coffee that complements the caramel's sweetness and cuts through the rich chocolate layers.
• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Ally: Top warm carmelitas with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm, gooey bar and cold, creamy dessert.
• Smooth Dessert Wine Match: Serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, which enhances the caramel and chocolate notes while providing a sophisticated pairing experience.
• Nutty Beverage Buddy: Enjoy with a hazelnut latte or almond milk drink that amplifies the oatmeal crust's nuttiness and adds another layer of comforting flavor.

Add-Ins That Take Carmelitas to the Next Level

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Swap chocolate chips with a mix of chopped pecans, almonds, and dark chocolate chunks for extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Berry Caramel Fusion: Layer fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the caramel and oatmeal crumble to add a fruity brightness.
• Salted Caramel Espresso: Incorporate instant espresso powder into the oatmeal mixture and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sophisticated, rich taste experience.
• Coconut Caramel Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the oatmeal base and drizzle with additional caramel sauce after baking for tropical-inspired indulgence.

Carmelitas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Carmelitas deliver pure Minnesota magic with gooey caramel nestled between buttery oat layers. Rich chocolate melts through crisp cookie edges, creating an irresistible dessert bar that invites sweet indulgence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 32 caramel squares, unwrapped
• 6 ounces (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (170 grams) butter, melted
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) rolled oats

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 grams) flour
• ¾ cup (165 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Liquid Ingredient:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8 or 9-inch square pan with protective foil or parchment, ensuring complete coverage of the base and sides.
2. Create a silky caramel sauce by gently melting caramel squares with heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring continuously until achieving a uniform, glossy consistency. Set the luxurious mixture aside.
3. Craft the foundational oatmeal base by thoroughly combining melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda into a cohesive, crumbly mixture.
4. Distribute half of the oatmeal mixture evenly across the prepared pan’s bottom, pressing firmly to create a uniform crust.
5. Transfer the pan to a preheated 350°F oven and bake the base for approximately 10 minutes until it develops a light golden hue.
6. Carefully extract the partially baked crust and strategically layer chocolate chips across the entire surface.
7. Gracefully cascade the prepared caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Delicately sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture across the caramel layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, watching for edges to turn a gentle golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the carmelitas to cool completely, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
11. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into precise squares and serve, revealing the decadent layers of caramel, chocolate, and oatmeal.

Notes

• Elevate your dessert game with these decadent layered bars that combine rich caramel, smooth chocolate, and buttery oatmeal crust.
• Ensure caramel is fully melted and smooth before pouring to create a silky, even layer throughout the dessert.
• Use parchment paper or foil for easy removal and clean cutting of bars, preventing sticky mess and broken pieces.
• Allow bars to cool completely to set the caramel and chocolate, which helps achieve perfect slice-able texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
• Pro tip: Slightly chill the bars before cutting for cleaner, more precise edges that showcase beautiful layers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 54 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg