Chewy Caramel Oat Bars

Prepare to be captivated by these utterly irresistible Oatmeal Caramel Bars, affectionately known as Carmelitas. Each delectable square features a comforting oat crust, a rich, gooey center of both luscious caramel and melted chocolate, all crowned with a buttery oat streusel topping. This simple yet sophisticated oat bars recipe with caramel creates the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant holiday celebrations.

My first encounter with these incredible Oatmeal Carmelitas was nothing short of love at first bite. The unique blend of chewy oats, sweet brown sugar, and that decadent caramel-chocolate filling left an unforgettable impression. It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I finally managed to track down the elusive recipe, and ever since, it has firmly secured its place as a cherished, go-to indulgence in my baking repertoire. Now, I’m thrilled to share this treasured recipe with you, ensuring that you, too, can experience the sheer joy of these heavenly bars.

Why You Absolutely Must Make These Oatmeal Caramel Bars

There are countless reasons why these Oatmeal Caramel Bars, often referred to as Carmelitas, deserve a prime spot in your recipe collection. They are more than just a dessert; they are an experience, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight anyone lucky enough to try them.

• A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: The combination of a sweet, crumbly oatmeal and brown sugar crust provides the perfect foundation. This sturdy yet tender base cradles an irresistibly oozy, buttery caramel center, generously studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. To complete this masterpiece, a delightful oatmeal streusel topping adds a contrasting crispness and an extra layer of oat goodness. It’s a harmonious blend that, to me, defines dessert bar perfection. After that initial life-changing bite years ago, I embarked on a mission to recreate this deliciousness, and I’m confident you’ll agree it was worth the effort.
• An Improved Classic Recipe: This isn’t just any Oatmeal Caramel Bar recipe; it’s an elevated version of a true classic. The original recipe, a celebrated Pillsbury Bake-Off winner from 1967, has stood the test of time. However, I’ve meticulously refined it, adding my personal touch to enhance the flavors and ensure an even more spectacular result. My adjustments ensure a richer caramel and an overall more robust flavor profile that pays homage to the original while taking it to new heights.
• Premium Caramel for Unmatched Flavor: Instead of relying on a generic jar of caramel sauce, which can sometimes lack depth, I’ve chosen to melt down Werther’s Original Caramels. These caramels are crafted with real cream and butter, delivering an authentic, rich caramel flavor that tastes far more homemade and luxurious. This simple substitution makes a profound difference in the overall taste and gooey texture of the bars, elevating them from good to truly exceptional.

For years, plates of these magical Carmelitas would mysteriously appear at the teachers’ holiday luncheon, year after year. As a volunteer, I’d eagerly sample them, along with everyone else, always wishing someone would finally share the secret recipe. The quest was long, but finally, I found it! And now, the secret is out, allowing YOU to try them and experience the same irresistible magic. Don’t miss out on creating these beloved bars for your own family and friends.

How to Master the Art of Making Oatmeal Caramel Bars

These Oatmeal Carmelitas are remarkably easy to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels. The clever part? The same versatile mixture forms both the delicious base crust and the crumbly, irresistible topping, simplifying the process considerably. Let’s walk through the steps to create these extraordinary bars.

1. Prepare the Oat Mixture: Begin by combining all the dry ingredients – flour, quick-cooking oatmeal, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt – in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution. Next, pour in the melted butter and mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and a crumbly, sandy mixture forms. This mixture is the heart of your bars.
2. Form the Crust: Divide the oat mixture into two equal halves. Press one half firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. For effortless cleanup and easy removal of the baked bars for clean slicing, I highly recommend lining your pan with non-stick foil. Alternatively, a good coating of non-stick cooking spray will also do the trick. Set the remaining half of the oat mixture aside; this will become your streusel topping.
3. Craft the Gooey Caramel Filling: Unwrap your caramels and place them in a small microwave-safe bowl along with the cream. Heat this mixture in the microwave on 50% power for about 3-5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is silky smooth. Alternatively, you can gently melt them in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. This careful melting ensures a perfectly smooth, unctuous caramel layer.
4. Assemble the Layers: Once your crust is in place, generously sprinkle it with the chocolate chips, ensuring an even layer across the surface. Next, carefully drizzle the warm, melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; it will spread during baking. Finally, scatter the reserved oat crumb mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Gently press down on the crumbs with your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure they adhere, but don’t compact them too tightly, as you want that lovely streusel texture.
5. Bake and Cool to Perfection: Place your assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake as directed until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. Baking time typically ranges from 20-25 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. For the cleanest, most precise slices, it’s best to chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or even longer) before cutting into squares. This allows the caramel to firm up, preventing it from oozing excessively when sliced. Of course, if you can’t resist, feel free to dive in a little warm, embracing the delightful gooey mess!

Expert Tips for Flawless Oatmeal Caramel Bars

Achieving perfect Oatmeal Caramel Bars is simpler than you think with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you navigate common pitfalls and ensure your Carmelitas turn out absolutely amazing every time.

• Caramel Selection Matters: While many brands of caramels will work, I’ve found that Werther’s Original Caramels consistently deliver a superior, more homemade taste due to their use of real cream and butter. They melt beautifully and create a wonderfully smooth, rich caramel layer. However, if Werther’s aren’t available, Kraft caramels are a perfectly acceptable alternative and will still yield delicious results.
• Choose the Right Oats: This is a critical detail! Always use quick-cooking oats for this recipe, not old-fashioned (rolled) oats. Quick oats are cut finer and absorb liquid faster, resulting in a tender, chewy bar. Old-fashioned oats, on the other hand, will yield a much tougher, chewier texture that can be less pleasant to eat.
• Patience with Cooling: I cannot stress this enough: allow your bars to cool completely, and ideally, chill them before slicing. The caramel layer is very soft when warm, and attempting to cut the bars too soon will result in a messy, gooey disaster with the caramel oozing out everywhere. Refrigerating them for at least an hour (or even longer) will firm up the caramel, allowing for neat, clean, picture-perfect slices.
• Adjusting Batch Size: If you’re baking for a smaller crowd or simply want a more modest batch, this recipe is easily halved. For a half batch, use an 8×8-inch pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time slightly downwards, typically around 18-22 minutes, and keep an eye on the golden-brown edges.
• Lining the Pan: For the easiest removal and cleanest edges, always line your baking pan with non-stick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Once the bars are cooled and chilled, you can simply lift them out of the pan using the foil edges, place them on a cutting board, and slice with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal Caramel Bars (Carmelitas)

Here are some common questions about making, storing, and enjoying these delightful Oatmeal Caramel Bars.

You May Also Love These Decadent Dessert Recipes:

If you’re a fan of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and comforting baked goods, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Pie from Crazy for Crust – a truly indulgent pie combining salty and sweet notes.
• Caramel Cheesecake – a creamy, dreamy cheesecake elevated with a rich caramel topping.
• Ganache Topped Caramel Bars – for when you want even more chocolatey goodness.
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies (aka Twix Cookies) – recreating a beloved candy bar in cookie form.
• Caramel Stuffed Rice Krispie Treats – a fun and chewy twist on a classic childhood favorite.
• More Dessert Recipes – explore a wide array of sweet treats for every craving!

The Recipe:

Oatmeal Caramel Bars Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Yield
24 bars

An oatmeal bar filled with gooey caramel and chocolate.

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 70 reviews.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (do NOT use old-fashioned oats)
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 (5-ounce) bags of packaged caramels, unwrapped (15 ounces total, Werther’s Original recommended)
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Alternatively, spray the pan generously with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, quick-cooking oatmeal, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until all dry ingredients are well blended.
3. Add Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and a moist, crumbly mixture forms. This is your oat base and streusel topping.
4. Form the Crust: Reserve half of the oat crumb mixture (approximately 3 cups) for the topping. Press the remaining half firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a glass to create a compact crust.
5. Prepare Caramel Filling: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Heat in the microwave on 50% power for about 3-5 minutes, stirring every minute, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. You can also melt this on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.
6. Assemble the Layers: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the prepared oat crust. Carefully drizzle the warm, melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips. Finally, crumble the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer. Gently press down on the crumb topping with your hand.
7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are set.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely for at least one hour at room temperature. For cleaner, more defined slices, transfer the cooled pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least an additional hour (or up to several hours). Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into 24 squares.

Notes

I find that using Werther’s brand chewy caramels yields the best, most authentic caramel flavor and consistency. This recipe is an adaptation of a classic Pillsbury Bake-Off winner.

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• 3 Pyrex Mixing Bowls
• Nonstick Foil
• 9 x 13 Baking Pan

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 245
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 142mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 2g

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