Carmelitas

These easy Carmelita Bars are a caramel lover’s dream come true, with soft gooey caramel and chocolate sandwiched between layers of buttery sweet oatmeal crumbs. Perfect for gatherings or family nights, these bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress everyone. Their irresistible blend of chewy caramel and rich chocolate makes them a standout dessert option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These bars come together in just about 45 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of gooey caramel and semi-sweet chocolate creates an indulgent flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, picnics, or cozy family nights—these bars fit every occasion.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the mixture for extra texture and flavor!
• Satisfyingly Sweet: With layers of buttery oat crust and a delicious caramel filling, each bite is a sweet delight.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smoother, gather the following essential tools before starting.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking pan (8×8 inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Fork and spoon
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your bars.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix ingredients separately without any hassle.
• Microwave-safe bowl: This is crucial for melting caramels efficiently without burning them.

Ingredients

These easy Carmelita Bars are a caramel lover’s dream come true, with soft gooey caramel and chocolate sandwiched between layers of buttery sweet oatmeal crumbs. These will quickly become your new favorite bar cookie.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
– ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 12 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 36 caramels (unwrapped (Kraft brand))
– ½ cup heavy cream

How to Make Carmelitas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Old-fashioned rolled oats
3. Light brown sugar
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Use a fork to mix them thoroughly. Then add:
6. Melted butter
7. Vanilla extract

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Base Layer

Using a spoon and fork, pat a little more than half of this mixture into your prepared pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the base is baking, take a microwave-safe bowl and add:
1. Unwrapped caramels
2. Heavy cream

Microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until melted and smooth. Use a whisk towards the end for an even consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the base layer is done baking, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle evenly with:
1. Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Then pour the prepared caramel sauce over the chocolate chips evenly.

Step 6: Add the Top Layer

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow your Carmelita Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. For quicker cooling, place them in the fridge after they have slightly cooled at room temperature. Enjoy these delightful treats!

How to Serve Carmelitas

Carmelitas are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them on a quiet evening, these bars can elevate any occasion.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm carmelitas, enhancing the rich flavors with its creaminess.
• Chocolate or caramel ice cream can add an extra layer of indulgence.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A generous drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
• Consider using white chocolate for contrast and a different flavor profile.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness of carmelitas.
• Serve berries on the side or sprinkle them on top for added color and taste.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream makes for a light and airy complement to the dense carmelitas.
• You can infuse whipped cream with vanilla or cinnamon for added flavor.

Served Warm

• Enjoying carmelitas slightly warmed enhances their gooey texture, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Warm them briefly in the microwave before serving for that fresh-baked experience.

How to Perfect Carmelitas

Perfecting your carmelitas is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality chocolate and caramels for the best flavor impact.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars; they should be golden brown but still soft to maintain that gooey texture.
• Cool Completely: Allowing carmelitas to cool completely helps them set properly, making it easier to cut into perfect squares.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding nuts or dried fruit for additional texture and flavor variations.
• Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, especially if you’ve chilled the bars to expedite cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Carmelitas

While carmelitas are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the caramel bars.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats complement the chocolate in carmelitas while adding elegance to your dessert table.
3. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side for an interesting texture contrast alongside soft carmelitas.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese which pair well with sweet desserts.
5. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the enjoyment of sweet treats and provides a comforting finish.
6. Mini Cupcakes: A variety of mini cupcakes allows guests to enjoy different flavors while indulging in carmelitas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carmelitas, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using the wrong pan size: If you use a different size pan, your bars may not bake evenly. Always stick to an 8×8 inch pan for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Make sure to use measuring cups and spoons, especially for the flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the oat mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in a messy outcome. Allow them to cool completely for clean cuts.
• Not checking for doneness: Every oven is different; don’t rely solely on baking time. Look for golden edges as an indicator of completion.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.

Freezing Carmelitas

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carmelitas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Carmelitas?

Carmelitas are delicious layered dessert bars made with oats, chocolate chips, and gooey caramel. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Can I customize my Carmelitas?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate types, or even incorporate dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.

How do I know when my Carmelitas are done?

Look for a golden brown color at the edges of the bars. A toothpick inserted should come out with slight sticky residue from the caramel.

What’s the best way to cut Carmelitas?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife after they have cooled completely. You can run the knife under hot water before cutting if needed.

How do I store leftover Carmelitas?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Conclusion

These Carmelita Bars are a delightful treat that combines soft caramel and rich chocolate between layers of sweet oatmeal crumbs. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Try out this recipe today and let your creativity shine!

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