Carmelitas are decadent treats with smooth caramel, crunchy nuts, and chocolate between two layers of buttery oatmeal crust!
INGREDIENTS
– 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour– 1 & 1/2 cups (120g) quick-cooking oats– 1 cup (200g) firmly packed light brown sugar– 1 teaspoon baking soda– 1/2 teaspoon salt– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened– 20 ounces (567g) soft caramels– 1/2 cup (118ml) heavy cream– 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips– 1 cup (120g) chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" x 2" pan. The pan can be lined with parchment paper first.
Step 1
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and mix slowly until combined. (The loose mixture should hold together when pinched.)
Step 2
Press half the flour mixture into the pan bottom. Bake 10 minutes. Put caramels and cream in a heavy saucepan.
Step 3
Stir frequently over medium-low heat until caramels melt and mixture is smooth.
Step 4
Pour caramel mixture over partially baked crust and spread evenly. Cool the caramel for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Step 5
Cover caramel with chocolate chips and nuts. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top.
Step 6
The top should be golden brown after 20–25 minutes. Cut into bars after cooling on a wire rack in the pan.