Carmelita Bars

Carmelita Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel with a chewy oat crust. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served at a gathering. With their irresistible texture and delicious layers, Carmelita Bars are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 280
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 90mg

Why Make This Carmelita Bars

Carmelita Bars are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Their combination of buttery oats, rich chocolate, and gooey caramel makes them a standout treat. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, bringing to potlucks, or enjoying with a cup of coffee at home. Plus, they can easily be customized, allowing you to experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, or flavored caramel sauces.

How to Make Carmelita Bars

## Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce

## Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure your bars come out easily and maintain their shape.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well-blended.

• Step 3: Combining Ingredients

  Mix in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Ensure there are no dry patches left; a consistent dough is key for a great texture.

• Step 4: Creating the Base

  Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Aim for an even layer that covers the bottom completely.

• Step 5: Adding Flavor

  Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then drizzle with the caramel sauce. This creates a luscious layer that blends beautifully with the oats.

• Step 6: Topping Off

  Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the caramel layer. This will add a deliciously crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the soft filling.

• Step 7: Baking

  Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on the bars — they should be bubbly and lightly browned.

• Step 8: Cooling

  Allow to cool before slicing into bars. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner cuts.

How to Serve Carmelita Bars

These bars are delightful on their own, but you can enhance your serving experience by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For added flair, drizzle extra caramel sauce over each bar before serving. They make an excellent addition to dessert platters, with their inviting aroma and golden appearance sure to catch the eye.

How to Store Carmelita Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Carmelita Bars

• Make sure your butter is fully melted before combining it with the brown sugar for the smoothest texture.
• Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewiness; quick oats can change the texture.
• If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans in the chocolate chip layer.
• Keep the caramel sauce warm for easier drizzling.
• Experiment with different kinds of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a variety of flavors.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Carmelita Bars: Add a cup of finely chopped nuts to the oat mixture for a crunchier texture.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in some melted peanut butter with the caramel sauce for a delicious twist.
• Oreo Carmelita Bars: Crush some Oreo cookies and mix them into the oat mixture for an added chocolatey punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
  Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt.

• What’s the best way to cut these bars?
  Use a sharp knife and make sure the bars are completely cool before cutting to avoid crumbling.

• Can I substitute the caramel sauce?
  Absolutely! You can use homemade caramel sauce or store-bought, depending on your preference.

• How do I know when they are done baking?
  The bars are done when they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, with bubbly caramel visible.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?
  Yes, they are great for making ahead! Just store them as mentioned above, and they will stay fresh.

Conclusion

Carmelita Bars are a fantastic dessert option that’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. With their layers of chocolate and caramel enveloped in a chewy oat crust, they offer a delightful experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret trying this sweet treat that’s destined to become a family favorite.

Carmelita Bars

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Carmelita Bars are a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate and caramel with a chewy oat crust, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust and drizzle with caramel sauce.
6. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the caramel layer.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg