Carmelita Bars
Carmelita Bars are the perfect combination of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and luscious salted caramel, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. These bars are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these Carmelita Bars will surely impress. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable dessert!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for Carmelita Bars is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of quick-cooking oats and brown sugar creates a soft yet chewy base, while the layers of chocolate and salted caramel add indulgence. The use of softened unsalted butter ensures that the bars maintain a rich flavor without being overly greasy. Additionally, the pecans provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth caramel and melty chocolate. The adaptability of this recipe also allows for various twists and seasonal variations, making it perfect for any time of year.
The Essentials
- Flour: Provides structure to the bars. We use a combination of all-purpose and a small amount for the caramel to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: Adds chewiness and heartiness to the dessert.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a deep, molasses-like flavor and moisture to the bars.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly, creating a perfect texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures a creamy texture without added saltiness.
- Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient—choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The luscious layer that ties everything together, either homemade or store-bought.
Recommended Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect bars.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ideal size for baking and cutting the bars.
- Parchment Paper: Lining the pan makes for easy removal and cleanup.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for mixing and spreading the batter evenly.
- Cooling Rack: Helps cool the bars evenly after baking.
Stepwise Method: Carmelita Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Oat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 3/4 cups of quick-cooking oats, 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Add 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or your hands, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger clumps.
Step 4: Reserve Some Mixture
Set aside about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. This will create a crumbly layer on top of the caramel.
Step 5: Spread the Base Layer
Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate and Pecans
Once the base layer is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle 3/4 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top.
Step 7: Drizzle with Caramel
Evenly pour 1 1/2 cups of salted caramel sauce over the chocolate chips and pecans.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer, followed by the remaining 3/4 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.
Step 9: Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Allow the Carmelita Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Seasonal Twists
- Fall Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Mint: Substitute mint chocolate chips for regular chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Chocolate: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Fruit Additions: Fold in some dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity touch.
Steer Clear of These
While making Carmelita Bars, avoid using:
- Old or expired ingredients, as they can affect the taste and texture.
- Regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats, which may not provide the same chewy consistency.
- Unsalted butter that is melted, as softened butter is essential for the right texture.
- Over-baking the bars, which can lead to a dry texture instead of a chewy one.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
Carmelita Bars can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. This makes them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or sweet cravings!
Helpful Q&A
Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
While you can use regular oats, the texture may be different. Quick-cooking oats provide a softer, chewier consistency that complements the bars perfectly.
How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce?
To make homemade salted caramel sauce, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow it to boil until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (be careful, as it will bubble), and stir in a pinch of salt.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but dark chocolate chips or even milk chocolate can work well depending on your preference. Just make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Carmelita Bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free as well.
Quick Weeknight Wins
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic favorite that’s quick to whip up.
- Easy Pasta Salad: Perfect for a quick dinner option.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: A breakfast treat that can be made in a flash.
- Ultimate Brownies: Rich and fudgy, these brownies are a sure hit.
Next Steps
Now that you know how to make these delightful Carmelita Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! With just a few steps, you can create a batch of bars that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Don’t forget to experiment with the seasonal twists mentioned above to keep things fresh and exciting. Happy baking!
Carmelita Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Pour salted caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips and pecans.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer, followed by more chocolate chips and pecans.
- Bake again for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- These bars can be frozen for up to three months.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Experiment with seasonal ingredients for unique variations!
