Before we get down to business with this week’s recipe, I just wanted to say “thank you” to all of you for the overwhelming support and love I received in response to last week’s post (“Me + Food: A Complicated Love Story“). That was by far the most difficult–and brutally open and honest– thing I’ve ever written, and it meant a lot to hear from so many of you. Thanks for being so amazing, guys– ♥ you all!
With that said: Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Carmelitas.
I’ve spent all 27 years of my life trying to find a dessert-y flavor combination more satisfying than silky caramel, semi-sweet chocolate, brown-sugary cookie crust, and a hint of salt, and I just can’t find one. If there’s something out there that you think rivals that combo, please feel free to let me know down in the comments section. Otherwise, I’m just going to carry on embracing that old “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” phrase and go balls to the wall with these chewy, gooey carmelita bars.
They’re exceptionally uncomplicated, but they taste like you slaved over them for hours. The hardest part? Resisting the urge to slide a fork into them before they’ve set. But trust me, you want to let them set (that is, as long as you’re planning on serving them to friends/family instead of hoarding them for yourself). If you try to cut into them too early, you’ll have a sticky mess on your hands, and you won’t be able to cut them into clean, even squares. Aside from that, just sit back, relax, and prepare for the inevitable barrage of compliments headed your way.
Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Carmelitas
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole-rolled old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 11-ounce bag of caramel squares, unwrapped (I used Kraft brand)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8" x 8" baking pan with aluminum foil (dull side facing down)
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, set aside
- Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until just melted (time varies from microwave to microwave, this usually takes 35 seconds for me)
- Pour melted butter into a medium mixing bowl
- Add brown sugar and vanilla extract to butter and whisk until smooth, set whisk aside
- Using a wooden spoon, slowly pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring as you go until fully blended
- Pour about half the mixture into the prepared baking pan; use a spoon or spatula to evenly spread out
- Bake for 10 minutes
- While base is baking, heat caramel squares and heavy cream in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat; stir occasionally until caramels have melted and mixture is smooth, then remove from heat
- Remove base from oven and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chunks
- Pour caramel sauce over chocolate
- Evenly crumble remaining dough mixture over the top
- Return to oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, until edges turn golden
- Let cool and set in pan for 4 hours (this step is crucial! If you don't let them set properly, you'll have a gooey mess on your hands when you try to cut into them)
- After carmelitas have set, pull edges of foil and lift out of pan
- Slice and serve
- Carmelitas will last in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to one week, and in the freezer for up to two months
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I rarely bake, I try to do it once every 6 weeks or so. I have at least a month to go before I will attempt it, but seeing this, I might have to get in the kitchen tonight and make them. They look so delicious.
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thanks, Michelle! If you end up making them, be sure to let me know how they turn out for you!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
These look out of the world! I love the combination of caramel and chocolate together.
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thank you, Kristen! Me too!
Hector says
Ohhhh yeah.. these look delicious. They are not cookies, but I would love to devour some of these this weekend. I foresee some baking in our home this weekend.
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Kailley, these look absolutely divine! Pour me a glass of milk, I feel like I could make a big dent in that pan of carmelitas!
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thank you so much, Melanie!
Alexandra @ Confessions of a Bright-Eyed Baker says
Ohhhhmygoodness these looks so amazing! I’m completely with you on how superior that combination of flavors is, so I have no idea why I haven’t tried making carmelitas before. On my must-make list now for sure1
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
I love the oats in there. These are so pretty!
Rachel says
Hi Kailley,
I made these last weekend for a group of guys and they were a hit! I actually didn’t even get to try them so I will have to make them again for myself :-). The only change I made was using just one bag of caramels for the 2 batches I made. Thanks for the great recipe and I can’t wait to try more from your blog!
-Rachel