Carmelitas (Oatmeal Caramel Bars)
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup caramel sauce (you can use store-bought or make your own)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
-In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
-Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
-Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the crust.
-Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips and nuts.
-Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top as evenly as possible.
-Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and the caramel is bubbling.
-Allow the caramelitas to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
