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Easy Espresso Oatmeal Carmelita Bars

These easy espresso oatmeal carmelita bars are a nod back to my favorite go-to snack in college - carmelita bars from Whole Foods! If you've ever had one then you know how ooey, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying they are! My version is loaded with oats, chocolate, and espresso powder. Drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top and you have yourself one yummy study snack!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup store bought or homemade caramel sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper, with the edges of the parchment paper hanging off the sides for easy removal of the bars.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, espresso powder, salt, baking soda, and melted butter. Mix until combined and the mixture is crumbly.
  • Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans evenly over the crust. Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate chips and pecans (you may need to heat your caramel sauce up to drizzle depending on how thick it is). Sprinkle remaining oat crumble mixture over the top.
  • Return bars to oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bars are set and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
*Inspired by Mountain Mama Cooks
 
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Keyword Bars, Chocolate, Easy Desserts