Name: The Best Carmelitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (chopped)

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The Best Carmelitas a luscious, chewy bar combining rich chocolate chips, gooey caramel, and a buttery oat base that melts in your mouth — perfect for satisfying any sweet craving with a homemade touch.

Why You’ll Love The Best Carmelitas

The Best Carmelitas are standout Chewy Dessert Bars:

Perfect Texture: Chewy oats, gooey caramel, and creamy chocolate.
Quick Prep: Ready in about 50 minutes with simple steps.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Great for gifting, snacking, or dessert spreads.
I bake these Chewy Dessert Bars for every gathering, and they disappear fast!

Ingredients for The Best Carmelitas

Here’s what you’ll need for The Best Carmelitas (makes 12 bars):

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels

Ingredient Tips:

Butter: Unsalted for control over flavor; melt evenly for smooth mixing.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats for chewy texture; avoid quick oats.
Caramel: Bits melt easily; chopped soft candies work as a substitute.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet balances sweetness; dark or milk chips for variety.
Flour: Sift with baking powder for a light, even crumb.

Directions for The Best Carmelitas

Let’s bake The Best Carmelitas!

Preheat Oven

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk 1 cup melted butter and 1 ½ cups brown sugar until smooth. I add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing well.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, I sift 2 cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. I gradually stir this into the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Oats and Mix-Ins

I fold in 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chocolate chips, and 1 cup caramel bits, reserving a handful of chips and caramel for topping.

Assemble Layers

I press half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with reserved chips and caramel, then crumble the remaining batter on top.

Bake

I bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and the caramel bubbles. I cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: ~400 kcal per bar
Macros per Bar: 55g carbs, 5g protein, 20g fat, 2g fiber

Variations for The Best Carmelitas

Try these twists on The Best Carmelitas:

Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a Chewy Dessert Bar with extra texture.
Chocolate Swap: Use milk or dark chocolate chips for a sweeter or richer flavor.
Salty-Sweet: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate on cooled bars for elegance.
Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum.

Serving Ideas:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent Chewy Dessert Bar.
Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Add to a dessert tray with Layla Cooks’ Pistachio Cookies for variety.
Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet, portable snack.

Storage

I store The Best Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for a week. To reheat, I microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate. For longer storage, I wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying. For make-ahead, I prepare the batter a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake fresh.

FAQs About The Best Carmelitas

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
I recommend sticking to old-fashioned rolled oats because they provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats can make the bars a bit too soft and less structured.

What can I use instead of caramel bits?
If caramel bits aren’t available, soft caramel candies chopped into small pieces work perfectly. You can also try dulce de leche or caramel sauce, but be careful not to add too much liquid.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! I usually substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning while baking?
Keeping the oven temperature at 350°F and baking for the suggested time usually prevents burning. Using parchment paper also helps as it creates a barrier, and keeping an eye on the bars in the last few minutes is always a good idea.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often prepare the batter a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before assembling and baking. The baked bars also taste great the next day, or even after a couple of days.

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Conclusion

The Best Carmelitas are my ultimate go-to dessert when I want something rich, chewy, and packed with flavor. The combination of buttery oats, luscious caramel, and melty chocolate is simply unbeatable. These Chewy Dessert Bars are easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to share with friends and family. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure these bars will become a staple in your baking rotation too.