Carmelitas
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pans One 11-ounce package soft caramel candies 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Add the caramels and heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir to incorporate. Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Pour the melted butter into the bowl and mix to combine.
4. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove. Keep the oven on.
5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and walnuts over the baked crust, then pour the melted caramel over the top, spreading gently to cover. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the caramel. Bake until light brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Remove the carmelitas from the oven and cool completely before slicing and serving.
Making Carmelitas at home is one of my favorite baking projects, especially because of the rich combination of textures and flavors. The buttery oat crust baked until lightly golden creates a perfect base that holds the luscious caramel topping wonderfully. When melting the caramel candies with heavy cream, stirring gently and continuously at low heat is key to a smooth, creamy caramel without burning it. I love adding vanilla extract to enhance the caramel’s depth, giving it that warm aromatic boost that complements the chocolate chips. Speaking of chocolate, using semisweet chips balances the sweetness of caramel, adding a slight bitterness which makes every bite satisfyingly rich. For some added crunch and nutty flavor, chopped walnuts are fantastic; however, you can also substitute pecans if you prefer. One tip from my experience is to press the oat mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure your bars hold together nicely when cut. Also, be patient when letting the Carmelitas cool completely before slicing—that final cooling step helps the caramel set properly, avoiding a gooey mess. These bars store well in an airtight container and can be enjoyed as a delightful snack or dessert. Overall, Carmelitas are an indulgent treat combining simple ingredients to produce a complex taste and texture profile. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or as an everyday sweet, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends with its homemade charm and delectable flavors.
