Carmelitas make an easy dessert recipe that everyone loves. Made with a buttery oat crust and topping, chocolate chips, caramel, and pecans, they are a favorite!
Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray or lightly butter and set aside.
Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and softened butter in the bowl of a mixer.
Mix on low until crumbly with a paddle attachment or mix with a wooden spoon, if desired.
Press half the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the crust. Pour the salted caramel sauce over the chocolate chips and nuts. Add the remaining crumb mixture on top of the caramel sauce. Do not press.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the crust begins to brown, about 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. You may refrigerate to shorten the cooling time, if preferred. Cut into squares or bars and serve.