So let me tell you about this amazing dessert called Carmelitas Bars. These bars are a heavenly combination of sweet and salty flavors that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine a layer of buttery oatmeal cookie crust, topped with gooey caramel, decadent chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Every bite is a perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make! Trust me, once you try these Carmelitas Bars, you’ll be hooked. Go ahead and give them a try. You won’t regret it!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

3/4 cup butter, melted (1 1/2 stick; unsalted or salted)
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-rolled old-fashioned oats (not instant or quick cook)
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
35 caramel squares, unwrapped (Werther’s Originals Baking Caramels recommended)
1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions to Make Carmelitas Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.

Add flour, oats, baking soda, and optional pinch of salt, stirring until combined. The mixture will be thick.
Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan to create an even, smooth, flat layer; set the remainder aside.
Bake for 10 minutes.

While it bakes, make the caramel sauce. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine caramels, cream, and salt. Heat in 60-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until melted and smooth (about 4 to 5 minutes total). Alternatively, melt in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously.
After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate, then pour caramel sauce over the chocolate.
Crumble the reserved oatmeal-brown sugar mixture over the top.

Return pan to the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, until edges are lightly browned and center is bubbling slightly.
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This can take up to 4 hours, or overnight, at room temperature. You can speed it up by placing the pan in the fridge.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Butter Quality: Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor. Whether you choose salted or unsalted, ensure it’s of good quality.

Brown Sugar: Pack the brown sugar tightly when measuring. This ensures the right amount of sweetness and moisture.

Oats Selection: Always use whole-rolled old-fashioned oats. Avoid instant or quick oats as they alter the texture.

Caramel Quality: Opt for high-quality caramel squares. Werther’s Originals Baking Caramels are recommended for their easy unwrapping and consistent melting.

Chocolate Choice: Use a mix of chocolate chips or chunks for varied texture. Semi-sweet chocolate balances the sweetness of the caramel.

Even Layering: When pressing the oat mixture into the pan, aim for an even layer to ensure consistent baking and texture.

Caramel Sauce Consistency: Ensure the caramel sauce is smooth and evenly melted. Avoid overheating as it can make the caramel too thick.

Baking Time: Watch the baking time closely. The edges should be lightly browned, and the center should bubble slightly.

Cooling Time: Allow ample time for the bars to cool and set. This might take several hours but is crucial for the bars to hold their shape.

Cutting: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat, clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Enjoyment: Serve Carmelitas as they are, at room temperature, for a chewy and satisfying dessert. Their rich flavor and texture are enjoyable on their own.

Warm and Gooey: Gently warm the Carmelitas in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This makes the caramel layer extra gooey and the chocolate slightly melted, creating a decadent experience.

Ice Cream Pairing: Top a warm Carmelita bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm bar and the cold ice cream is delightful. You can also try other flavors like salted caramel or chocolate ice cream for a different twist.

With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each serving. The lightness of the whipped cream complements the dense, rich texture of the Carmelitas.

Coffee or Tea Companion: Serve these bars with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The bitterness of the coffee or the mild flavor of the tea balances the sweetness of the Carmelitas, making for a perfect afternoon snack.

Dessert Platter: Cut the Carmelitas into smaller squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter. Combine with other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruits for a varied selection.

Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the Carmelitas before serving.

Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the Carmelitas can enhance the flavors, especially the caramel, and add a gourmet touch.

Holiday Serving: During the holidays, you can garnish the Carmelitas with festive sprinkles or serve alongside holiday-themed desserts for a seasonal treat.

With Nut Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top for added crunch and flavor.

Berry Accompaniment: Serve the Carmelitas with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing and slightly tart contrast to the sweet bars.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the Carmelitas with powdered sugar just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Carmelitas gluten-free?

Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

It’s not recommended to use quick oats as they have a different texture and absorbency. Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture for Carmelitas.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Reducing the sugar may affect the texture and taste. However, you can slightly reduce the brown sugar or use a lower amount of caramel or chocolate to cut down on overall sweetness.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel squares?

Yes, you can use a thick, high-quality caramel sauce. The consistency might be slightly different, but it should still work well.

How should I store Carmelitas?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a 9×13-inch baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Why are my Carmelitas too gooey or too hard?

If they’re too gooey, they might need more time to set, especially if they’re still warm. If they’re too hard, the caramel might have been overcooked or the bars overbaked.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be a great addition. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate or add a layer of shredded coconut.

How do I cut Carmelitas cleanly?

Ensure they have cooled completely. Use a sharp knife and clean it with warm water between cuts for cleaner slices.

Can I make Carmelitas dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream. Also, ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Are Carmelitas suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make Carmelitas in advance?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance. This can actually enhance their flavor as the ingredients meld together.

Carmelitas Bars

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These Carmelitas bars are a heavenly combination of sweet and salty flavors that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy!

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter melted (1 1/2 stick; unsalted or salted)

3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole-rolled old-fashioned oats not instant or quick cook
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

35 caramel squares unwrapped (Werther’s Originals Baking Caramels recommended)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
Add flour, oats, baking soda, and optional pinch of salt, stirring until combined. The mixture will be thick.

Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan to create an even, smooth, flat layer; set the remainder aside.
Bake for 10 minutes.
While it bakes, make the caramel sauce. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine caramels, cream, and salt. Heat in 60-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until melted and smooth (about 4 to 5 minutes total). Alternatively, melt in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously.

After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate, then pour caramel sauce over the chocolate.
Crumble the reserved oatmeal-brown sugar mixture over the top.
Return pan to the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, until edges are lightly browned and center is bubbling slightly.

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This can take up to 4 hours, or overnight, at room temperature. You can speed it up by placing the pan in the fridge.