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Ultimate Gooey Carmelitas Bars

These Ultimate Gooey Carmelitas Bars are a heavenly combination of buttery oat crust, rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a luscious caramel layer — all baked to golden perfection for an indulgent dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 43 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups 210 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats or rolled oats pulsed briefly in a food processor
  • 1 1/2 cups 300 g brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 14 ounces vanilla caramels unwrapped
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup 6 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Optional Topping:

  • 5 –6 caramels
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on the sides.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture forms a coarse crumble.
  • Press two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped baking chocolate over the crust.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
  • Pour caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate and nuts.
  • Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
  • Bake for 23 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
  • Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  • Lift bars out using the parchment overhang, then cut into squares.
  • Optional: melt remaining caramels and chocolate chips separately, then drizzle over cooled bars.

Notes

  • For cleaner cuts, chill bars before slicing.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.