Carmelitas

These addictive little bars are easy to make and are the perfect little pick-me-up. Everyone goes crazy for them! We tried these with the Salted Caramel Bourbon Sauce from our fave brand, Gris Gris @grisgriscocktailmagic- and y’all it’s the only caramel I will use from now on. For anything and everything. This “pantry magic” really takes the richness of the bars to the next level. Bonus- use code HH20 for 20% off any order from @grisgriscocktailmagic

Make these salty sweet bars ASAP!! We think they’re especially great for a tailgate or football watching party. They freeze well too! Which is kinda dangerous…..

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder, divided
3/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups butter, melted
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup caramel sauce

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease or line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, 1 tsp of the espresso powder, vanilla, salt, baking soda, and melted butter. Mix to combine.

Press half the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Place pan in freezer for like 5-10 minutes if you just can’t wait ;)

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Mix the caramel sauce with the remaining 1/2 tsp of espresso powder. Drizzle it over the chocolate chips. Top with the remaining oat mixture, breaking it into small pieces like a crumble topping to cover the bars.

Return to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bars are set and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into little squares.

Adapted from a recipe in one of my favorite-ever cookbooks: Après All Day