Here’s another quick and easy lunchbox treat, adapted from a recipe for carmelitas. Thick and chewy bars loaded with caramel flavour. Deeeeelish!

I used butter caramel bits which hold their shape quite well, but you could use melty caramels or use chocolate chips instead if you want chocolate oats bars instead. Or use both for something closer to a carmelita.

Ingredients

125g (1 scant cup) all-purpose (plain) flour
100g (1 scant cup) quick cooking oatmeal (not instant)
150g (3/4 cup, lightly packed) light brown (demerara) sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
170g (3/4 cup, 1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted
100g (3/4 cup) caramel bits

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a brownie pan (mine was 16 x 25cm, 6 x 10”).

Stir together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.

Add the butter and mix it in, then fold in toffee bits.

Press the mixture lightly into the pan.

Bake in centre of oven for about 30 minutes, until the edges are browned. Cut in pan then allow to cool completely.