If chocolate is to die for and caramel is sublime, then the most heavenly treat of all is something combining the two.  Aaaahhhhh…. such a taste treat!  And luckily there is no shortage of happily married chocolate and caramel pairings.  One that is especially worthy of  attention  is the Carmelita bar.

Following is a basic recipe, very delicious, and people will love you for making it.  You can also add pecans or walnuts,  and coconut, if you wish, and drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Print Recipe

Carmelitas

Servings

bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups soft caramels unwrapped
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• large pinch sea salt

Servings bars Ingredients 2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups old fashioned oats 1 1/2 cups butter softened 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups soft caramels unwrapped 1/4 cup half and half 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips large pinch sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9 x 13 " baking pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and salt.  Stir until well combined.  Mixture will be crumbly.  Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool while making caramel sauce.
3. Over low heat, stir caramels and milk until melted and smooth.  Add sea salt.
4. Pour caramel over cookie base. Top with chocolate chips and remaining dough. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, or until it is golden and bubbly around the edges.
5. Let cool in pan.  Cut into squares and keep refrigerated.