The Best Carmelitas Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect marriage of chewy, gooey, and crunchy textures, then you’re in for a treat with The Best Carmelitas Recipe. These bars are an irresistible blend of rich caramel swirls, semi-sweet chocolate chips, hearty rolled oats, and a buttery crust all baked to golden perfection. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from your favorite dessert, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and magic of baking these delightful bars. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavors, textures, and that beautiful golden color that will make these Carmelitas shine.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps create that tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, packed): Adds moisture, a deep caramel flavor, and sweetness that balances the chocolate and oats.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and lend a soft structure to the bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the aromas and adds a warm, sweet undertone.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The key structural element that supports everything without weighing it down.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly for that perfect texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): Provide a wonderful chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Offer melty bursts of chocolate that meld beautifully with the caramel.
- Caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies (1 cup): The star ingredient delivering gooey pockets of caramel bliss throughout the bars.
How to Make The Best Carmelitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This simple step ensures your Carmelitas will come out clean and intact, ready for slicing and serving.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination is where your caramel flavor begins to develop, creating a rich foundation for your bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly. These ingredients bind the batter, contribute to the texture, and bring that warm vanilla note that will complement the caramel and chocolate beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring even distribution. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping your bars tender.
Step 5: Fold in Oats, Chocolate, and Caramel
Gently stir in the rolled oats to add that perfect chewy texture. Next, fold in all but a small handful of the chocolate chips and caramel bits, which will be added on top to give your Carmelitas an inviting, glossy finish.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Evenly press half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, forming a solid base. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and caramel bits over this layer for a surprise sweet burst in the center before crumbling the remaining batter on top as the second layer, creating that signature two-tone look.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the caramel is visibly bubbling, hinting at the melt-in-your-mouth delight inside. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely in the pan for clean slicing and the best chewy texture.
How to Serve The Best Carmelitas Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of your cooled Carmelitas. Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness, creating a sensational sweet-salty contrast that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
These Carmelitas pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements the richness and makes for a perfectly balanced indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by cutting your Carmelitas into bite-sized squares and serving them as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh berries and nuts. They also make delightful sandwich-style treats when layered with soft cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for an innovative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay moist and chewy, just like freshly baked.
Freezing
If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can freeze Carmelitas by wrapping individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm leftover Carmelitas for a few seconds in the microwave to revive their gooey goodness or enjoy them chilled for a firmer, more fudge-like texture. Reheating truly brings the caramel and chocolate back to life, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the caramel bits with something else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have caramel bits, chopped soft caramel candies work beautifully. You can even try butterscotch chips for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
Are rolled oats necessary for The Best Carmelitas Recipe?
Yes, rolled oats add essential chewy texture and a rustic feel to the bars. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may alter the texture slightly.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Make sure the Carmelitas are completely cool before cutting. Using a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry between cuts helps create clean edges and prevents sticking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure your oats are certified gluten-free, too, to avoid cross-contamination.
How long do these bars keep their freshness?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Beyond that, they might start to dry out but can still be enjoyed warmed up or frozen for longevity.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that perfect combination of chewy oats, rich caramel, and luscious chocolate in bar form, look no further than The Best Carmelitas Recipe. It’s a joy to prepare and even more satisfying to eat. Whether it’s for sharing with friends or indulging quietly on a quiet afternoon, these Carmelitas will quickly become a go-to favorite. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature dessert!
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The Best Carmelitas Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Best Carmelitas are chewy, gooey, and packed with layers of rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and luscious caramel bits. Perfectly baked golden bars with a delightful caramel drizzle melting into every bite, making them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a small handful reserved for topping)
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped (plus a small handful reserved for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang for easy removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined, creating a rich base for your batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring the wet ingredients are well blended to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid toughening the batter.
- Incorporate Oats and Add-ins: Fold the rolled oats into the batter, then gently stir in the chocolate chips and caramel bits, reserving a small handful of each for the topping to add extra texture and flavor.
- Layer Batter in Pan: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and caramel bits evenly over this first layer to create a delicious middle layer.
- Add Second Layer: Crumble the remaining batter over the top of the caramel and chocolate layer, forming the second and final layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is visibly bubbling, signaling readiness.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the Carmelita bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out with ease, then slice into 12 servings for the perfect chewy, caramel-packed treat.
Notes
- Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- For softer caramel bits, chop soft caramel candies finely to distribute evenly.
- Ensure the batter is not overmixed when adding flour to maintain a tender texture.
- Let the bars cool fully to allow caramel to set and prevent gooey mess when cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
