Carmelitas

Guys I have the perfect Valentine's treat for you! If you've never heard of Carmelitas before, they're basically oatmeal cookie bars filled with gooey caramel and chocolate. Need I say more??

I posted a thin version of these a few years ago on the blog and while those were good, these are AMAZING. So much sugary goodness going on in these bars.

They're actually really fun and easy to make and would make the perfect treat for your loved ones! Just look at those caramel edges!

So head to the store and go buy all of the ingredients for these babies. You won't regret it!

Carmelitas

Adapted from Averie Cooks

3/4 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1 tsp. baking soda

pinch of salt

35 caramel squares, unwrapped (I used Kraft caramels)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 or 9x9-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set pan aside.

2. In a large microwaveable bowl, add the butter and heat on HIGH until melted.

3. Add the brown sugar, vanilla and whisk until smooth.

4. Add the flour, oats, baking soda and pinch of salt. Stir until combined. Mixture will be thick and gooey.

5. Add half of the mixture to the prepared pan and smooth it with a spatula to create an even layer. Set remainder aside.

6. Bake mixture for 10 minutes. While baking, prepare the caramel sauce.

7. In a medium-sized microwaveable bowl, combine the caramels and cream and heat on HIGH power in 30-second intervals to melt caramels, stirring after each interval. Heat until mixture is nice and smooth. (It should take about 2-3 minutes to melt.) Set caramel aside.

8. After the oatmeal mixture has baked, remove pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top. Next, pour the caramel sauce slowly and evenly over the chocolate.

9. Using your fingers, crumble the reserved oatmeal-brown sugar mixture over the top. (It’s ok if there are gaps.)

10. Return pan to the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and bubbling.

11. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This can take up to 4 hours at room temperature.

*It’s best to make this ahead of time and let it set up overnight for easy slicing and serving.