Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe

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If you’ve ever wished for a treat that perfectly blends the chewy wholesomeness of oats, the luscious richness of caramel, and the irresistible allure of melted chocolate, then this Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These bars bring together a golden oat and brown sugar base, a gooey caramel middle, and two types of chocolate that melt into a dreamy finish. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a dessert that wows at gatherings, these Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in Carmelitas comes from simple pantry staples that work together beautifully to create those layers of texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the heartiness of rolled oats to the rich creaminess of softened caramels balanced by the bittersweet punch of chocolate.

• Rolled oats (1.5 cups): These add a wholesome chew and the signature hearty texture that makes Carmelitas uniquely satisfying.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure and tenderness for the bars so they hold together perfectly without being tough.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds gentle sweetness and a hint of molasses depth that complements the caramel.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): A little lift for the bars, helping them bake up slightly airy and light rather than dense.
• Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially the caramel and chocolate.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, melted): Richness and moisture that marry the dry ingredients together into a tender crumb.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate bliss that create gooey surprises in every bite.
• Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (1/4 cup): Adds texture and a more intense chocolate kick distributed throughout the bars.
• Soft caramels (40 pieces): The star ingredient that melts into a silky, luscious layer of sticky caramel joy.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Blended with caramels to create a smooth caramel sauce with ideal drizzling consistency.

How to Make Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make removing your beautiful finished bars a breeze and ensure the bottoms don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir everything together so the flavors distribute evenly for a consistent taste in every bite of the Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Pour the melted unsalted butter into your dry mix and stir thoroughly until every bit is coated. This ensures the base will be wonderfully tender and rich once baked.

Step 4: Press the Base Layer

Take about two-thirds of your oat and flour mixture and tip it into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or clean fingers to press it evenly into a firm layer. The warmth of your hands helps to pack it down nicely, setting the stage for the layers to come.

Step 5: Give the Base a Head Start

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake the base layer for 10 minutes. This initial bake helps create a slightly crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft caramel layer.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the base is baking, melt your soft caramels with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon to make a silky smooth sauce. Once melted, scoop out 2 tablespoons of the caramel for drizzling later and set the rest aside.

Step 7: Layer the Chocolate

After the base has baked for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped chocolate evenly over the top. This layer will melt into luscious pockets of chocolate as it bakes.

Step 8: Add the Caramel Layer

Pour your prepared caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate. This gooey layer is the heart of the Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe, providing that luxurious sweet balance that makes these bars unforgettable.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Mixture

Spoon the remaining oat and flour mixture over the caramel layer and press gently to form an even top layer. This final layer bakes up golden and gives a lovely contrast to the sticky caramel and melty chocolate underneath.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan back into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the Carmelitas turn a light golden brown. This baking time crisps the top just enough while keeping the middle beautifully soft.

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the Carmelitas to cool and set in the pan for about an hour. Once firm, turn them out onto a board and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 equal squares.

Step 12: Drizzle with Reserved Caramel

Finally, drizzle the reserved caramel sauce over each bar for an irresistible glossy finish. This little touch makes the Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe look as heavenly as they taste.

How to Serve Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe

Garnishes

To jazz up these bars even more, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop the caramel drizzle to enhance all the sweet and salty flavors. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also adds lovely texture and a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve Carmelitas bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a cozy snack, enjoy them with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by stacking a few bars on a rustic wooden board or arranging them in a neat row on a pretty platter, drizzled once more with warm caramel sauce before serving. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with twine makes an adorable gift or party favor too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This makes them a perfect grab-and-go treat that stays fresh and chewy without refrigeration.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently.

Reheating

To bring back that warm, gooey indulgence, pop a bar into the microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly heat it in a low oven. This warms the caramel and chocolate so that each bite melts in your mouth just like when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will provide a richer, slightly more intense flavor that still pairs wonderfully with the caramel and oats. Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate types.

Are rolled oats necessary or can I substitute quick oats?

Rolled oats give the perfect chewy texture in Carmelitas. Quick oats are more processed and will create a softer, less textured bar. For the classic bite, sticking with rolled oats is best.

Can I make the caramel layer in advance?

Yes, you can melt caramels with cream ahead of time and store the sauce in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature and stir gently before pouring it over the bars for baking.

Do I need to line the pan with parchment paper?

While not mandatory, lining the pan with parchment makes removing the bars much easier and helps keep their edges intact. It also simplifies cleanup, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter gives that rich flavor and creaminess, making it preferred for Carmelitas. Margarine could work in a pinch but may alter flavor slightly. Oil is not recommended as it changes the texture and structure of the bars.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dessert that hits all the right notes—crispy and chewy, sweet and salty, chocolatey and caramel-rich—this Carmelitas Bars with Chocolate and Caramel Recipe is sure to become your new go-to. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch these decadent bars disappear fast!

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