If you’re looking for a truly irresistible dessert, these Carmelitas are about to become your new favorite! This easy caramel chocolate bar recipe features a soft and chewy oatmeal cookie crust that doubles as a buttery topping, all wrapped around a rich, gooey layer of melted chocolate and sweet caramel. Every bite is decadent, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because, these oatmeal caramel bars are always a crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears fast!
You will love these gooey centered cookie bars! A delicious treat you will not be able to resist! If you like bar style desserts, you must try these Magic Cookie Bars!
Ingredients
- old fashioned oat meal
- brown sugar
- flour
- butter
- heavy cream
- caramels
- chocolate chips
- salt
- baking soda
- vanilla or vanilla bean paste
See exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-40 second increments until caramels are softened and stirring at every interval. Once the caramels are softened the cream will then mix in really well with several stirs. Do not microwave until boiling. This will scorch the caramels. (Another option is doing this on the stove over medium high heat.)
Next, in a large bowl, mix together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt using a hand mixer until a thick dough forms. I sometimes find using my hands for this part helps to bring it together better. After that, divide the dough in half and press one portion evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Bake this layer for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven.
Once the crust is ready, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm base. Then, pour the slightly cooled caramel over the chocolate chips, gently spreading it into an even layer. Using an icing scraper helps with this. Afterward, crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top, but do not press it down. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the top is set.
Finally, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. They may need to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. I like to serve the same day when possible. These Carmelitas are best within 2–4 days and store them in an airtight container.
Equipment
A well stocked kitchen is key when baking. If you are lacking a hand mixer or other tools then I encourage you to visit my store front. There, I have some of my favorite baking supplies! My favorite 8x8 pan is HERE as well!
Storage
These keep great for 2-4 days, but in an airtight container. I like and use these often...LINK.
Top Tip
This recipe has several steps, but they are all easy. I suggest measuring everything out first then begin. And when spreading the bottom layer, use your fingers...it spreads much easier this way.
More Bar Recipes
If you like making bar style desserts, you need to try these next!
FAQs
Yes! I love the bean paste flavor in this recipe, but not necessary and is a 1 to 1 substitution
I personally love Nielsen Massey the best! My back up is a Pure Mexican vanilla.
Never use imitation vanilla, there is a huge difference in your baked goods. 
Cookies to Try
- Reese's Thins Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies for a Crowd
- Snickerdoodles
Carmelitas
Ingredients
- 11 ounce soft caramels unwrapped
- 3 ounces heavy cream
- ¾ cup butter softened, 1 ½ sticks
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips milk chocolate works as well
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 8x8-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. 
- In a microwave safe bowl combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-40 second increments until caramels are softened and stirring at every interval. Once the caramels are softened the cream will then mix in really well with several stirs. Do not microwave until boiling. This will scorch the caramels. (Another option is doing this on the stove over medium high heat.)Set aside to slightly cool and thicken. 
- In a large bowl, mix together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt using a hand mixer until a thick dough forms. I also like to us my hands towards the end to really combine that dough evenly.
- Divide the dough in half and press half of it into the prepared pan. Bake this base for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust and then pour the melted and slightly cooled caramel over the chocolate chips. Using a spreader gently smooth into an even layer. 
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the caramel layer avoiding pressing it down.
- Bake for another 15-18 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the top is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. A pop in the fridge for 30 minutes helps this set as well. Store in an airtight container container for 2-4 days.
Sidney says
These are incredibly rich and delicious. It felt like a luxury to get to make these. Definitely making them again. Thanks for the recipe!
Misty Tannery says
I am so glad you liked them! Thank you!
Leanne says
Where have these been all my life?! Thank you for sharing the recipe, these have become my new favorite bars!
Misty Tannery says
So happy to hear this! They are definitely a great treat!
Eva Filer says
Can you believe we had never had these before. We loved them, they did not last long. The rich caramel was such a great flavor and added to the chewiness. Thanks!
Misty Tannery says
Oh, well I am so so glad you finally have them in your life!!
Courtney says
OMG I haven't had one of these in years!! So happy I saw this over on TikTok. They were so easy to make and so incredibly delicious. Definitely bookmarking these!
Misty Tannery says
So glad you found me from TikTok! I hope they are every bit as wonderful as before!
Hannah says
My family is obsessed with these bars!! They're so tasty and disappeared in less than 24 hours. 🙂
Misty Tannery says
Oh I am so glad you all liked them!
Stephanie says
These are so delicious! They taste like something my grandmother used to make, which is just so comforting!
Misty Tannery says
I am so glad you liked them enough to have a special memory! Thank you for sharing!