Oatmeal Carmelitas
Oatmeal Carmelitas are decadent bars featuring a crunchy oatmeal crust layered with gooey caramel and chocolate chips, topped with chopped pecans. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at gatherings or as an indulgent treat, they combine rich flavors and a delightful texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the caramel topping and mix it with 1/4 cup of flour.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, quick oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, melted butter, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from the oven and spread the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the caramel layer.
- Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool and chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer. If you want to make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to allow ample cooling time before cutting, as this helps the bars set properly.
Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal Carmelitas are delicious on their own, but for an indulgent treat, serve them warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Best-Ever Hot Fudge Sauce. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Oatmeal Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for a few seconds until just soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Carmelitas contains roughly 691 calories, with 12g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats instead of quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats will give a chewier consistency which some may prefer. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as needed.
What can I substitute for the caramel topping?
You can make your own caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream if you want a homemade option. Alternatively, dulce de leche can be used as a substitute for caramel topping for a similar flavor.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Oatmeal Carmelitas can be made a day in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container, and they'll taste just as delicious when served the next day.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).