Carmelitas Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that brings together the perfect blend of chewy oats, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate, you have to try this Carmelitas Recipe. These delightful bars layer buttery oat crusts with a gooey caramel filling and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s comfortingly sweet and wonderfully textured. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or a cozy homemade snack, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first joyful step to creating your own batch of Carmelitas. Each element plays a crucial role: the oats bring a hearty chew, the caramel squares offer that sticky-sweet decadence, and the chocolate chips add irresistible richness.

• 3/4 cup salted butter, melted: Adds a rich, creamy base that binds everything and gives the bars their buttery flavor.
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides deep sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The structure builder for a soft but sturdy oat crust.
• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats or old fashioned oats: Gives the bars a hearty texture and a touch of rustic charm.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust rise just enough for a perfect balance of softness and crispness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided: Brings out the sweet notes and balances the rich caramel and chocolate.
• 40 caramel squares: The star ingredient that melts into a smooth layer of gooey, golden caramel.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky caramel sauce when combined with the caramel squares.
• 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolatey goodness to every bite.

How to Make Carmelitas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly. This simple prep will make sure your Carmelitas come out of the pan easily and keep the caramel from sticking to the bottom.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Mixture

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter. Whisk in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture is where the magic begins, setting the foundation for the rich, sweet oat crust.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and half of the salt (1/4 teaspoon) to the butter mixture. Mix everything using a pastry cutter or fork until it becomes crumbly yet fully incorporated. This texture is just right for both the base and topping of your Carmelitas.

Step 4: Form the Base

Press about half of your oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust for 10 minutes until it’s just set and looks slightly golden. This step creates the sturdy yet tender foundation needed to hold all the luscious layers coming next.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While the base is baking, combine the caramel squares, heavy cream, and the remaining salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for one minute, stir, then repeat until the caramel is smoothly melted. It’s important to heat carefully to avoid seizing so your caramel layer stays silky and pourable.

Step 6: Layer the Chocolate

As soon as the crust is out of the oven, evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the warm surface. The heat will soften the chocolate just enough to marry beautifully with the caramel sauce in the next step.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Layer

Pour the smooth, warm caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate layer. This gooey, golden layer is what makes this Carmelitas Recipe so incredibly indulgent and unforgettable.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Crust

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel, gently tapping it down to form a crunchy topping that will bake up nice and golden in the oven, creating a perfect textural contrast.

Step 9: Bake the Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and set. This final baking step locks in all the layers and adds a beautifully toasted finish to your bars.

Step 10: Cooling and Slicing

Remove the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. To get those neat, clean squares and keep the caramel from oozing out, let your Carmelitas set at room temperature overnight or chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours. Then, slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Carmelitas Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweet caramel flavors and provide a lovely contrast. You can also dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty, festive touch that makes each bar look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Carmelitas pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving them as part of a party spread, fresh berries or a warm cup of coffee make excellent companions to complement their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting these bars into bite-sized pieces and serving them on a decorative platter with small forks for easy snacking. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for charming gifts or delightful treats to pack in lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Carmelitas stay fresh and chewy for up to four days. Keeping them airtight prevents the oat topping from drying out and the caramel from becoming too firm.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the whole pan or individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen Carmelitas maintain their taste and texture well and are perfect to pull out for an unexpected sweet craving.

Reheating

Warm your caramel bars briefly in the microwave or in a low-temperature oven to revive that gooey texture before serving. Just 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of chocolate in this Carmelitas Recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully, you can swap in milk chocolate or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Mixing chocolate types or adding chocolate chunks also creates interesting texture and taste.

Is it necessary to chill the Carmelitas before cutting?

Chilling is highly recommended to keep the caramel from oozing out and to achieve clean cuts. If you’re short on time, letting them set at room temperature for several hours can work, but chilling ensures the best results.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and making sure your oats are certified gluten-free, you can easily adapt the Carmelitas Recipe to suit gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste or texture.

How long does it take to prepare and bake the Carmelitas?

Total prep and baking time is about 40 minutes, not counting cooling time. Keep in mind that allowing the bars to cool and set properly overnight yields the best slicing and serving experience.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan, like a 9×13 inch baking dish, and adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the bars toward the end so they don’t overbake. Doubling is perfect for bigger families or parties.

Final Thoughts

Making this Carmelitas Recipe is like inviting a little slice of buttery, caramel-chocolate heaven into your kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet afternoon. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and see just how addictive these bars become — trust me, they’re worth every delicious bite.

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