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Oatmeal Caramel Bars Recipe

posted by Liz Berg on May 16, 2023

These irresistible Oatmeal Caramel Bars have an oat crust and oat streusel sandwiching a gooey layer of both caramel and chocolate. This easy oat bars recipe with caramel makes the perfect dessert for any occasion!

I fell hard with my first bite of these Oatmeal Carmelitas. It took me a couple of years to track down the recipe and now it’s a favorite indulgence.

2 Oatmeal Caramel Bars stacked on a square dessert plate

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 How to Make

3 Expert Tips

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 You May Also Like:

6 Oatmeal Caramel Bars Recipe

Why You Must Make

The combination of an oatmeal brown sugar crust, oozy caramel center topped with chocolate chips, and oatmeal streusel is my idea of dessert bar cookie perfection. It was years after I first had a bite of the deliciously sweet and chocolate oatmeal bars before I finally stumbled upon the recipe.
I’ve improved upon the original recipe, a Pillsbury Bake-Off winner from 1967.
Instead of a jar of caramel sauce, I melted Werther’s Original Caramels made with real cream and butter!

Someone would drop off a plate of these Carmelitas, for the teachers’ holiday luncheon year after year. I’d sample with the other volunteers and wished someone would share the recipe. I finally found it!!! And now YOU can try them, too.

overhead image of Oatmeal Caramel Bars stacked onto a dessert plate

How to Make

These Oatmeal Carmelitas are easy to make and even easier to eat. The same mixture makes the crust and the topping!

First, mix together the dry ingredients with the melted butter.
Press half the crumbs into the prepared pan. I like to line the pan with non-stick foil for easy cleanup and easy removal for cutting.
Melt the caramels and cream to make the filling. This can be done in a heatproof bowl in the microwave or by heating gently in a pan on the cooktop.
Sprinkle the crust with chocolate chips, then drizzle the caramel mixture over the crust, and add the rest of the crumbs. Gently press down on the crumbs.
Bake as directed and cool on a wire rack. For cleaner slices, chill before slicing into bars. Of course, if you can’t wait, dive right in!!

white dessert plate with a stack of 3 Oatmeal Caramel Bars

Expert Tips

I find that Werther’s Original Caramels taste closer to homemade than Kraft. But if you can’t find the former, Kraft will work well, too.
Use Quick Oats not Old-Fashioned Oats. The latter will make these tough to chew.
Make sure to cool well before cutting. Otherwise, the caramel will ooze out.
If you want to make a half batch, use an 8 x 8-inch pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Pronounce Caramel?

I grew up using the two-syllable pronunciation, KAR-mehl, but my Father-in-Law always added the third syllable, KEHR-ah-mehl or KAR-ah-mehl. This debate has been going on for eons. I’d love to know your opinion!

How Do You Store Carmelitas?

They should be stored in an airtight container. If they’re uncut, they’re fine at room temperature, but once they’re cut into squares, the caramel will ooze a bit. At that point, store in the refrigerator but let come to room temperature before serving.

Can You Freeze Carmelitas?

Yes, they freeze well if kept in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for 2-3 months. Just let them slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.