Carmelita Bars

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This Carmelita Bars

Carmelita Bars are not just a dessert; they are a comforting hug on a plate. These delectable layered bars boast a delightful combination of chewy oats, rich caramel, and melty chocolate that make them irresistibly good. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, Carmelita Bars deliver both flavor and satisfaction. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, promising minimal fuss in the kitchen while creating a stunning treat that will impress friends and family alike.

How to Make Carmelita Bars

## Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce

## Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to ensure your bars come out easily once baked. This step is crucial for preventing sticking!

### Step 2: Mixing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the mixture is crumbly. The oats will add a delightful chewiness to the bars, while the sugars will provide the perfect blend of sweetness.

### Step 3: Layering

Press about half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid crust. This will support the delicious layers that follow!

### Step 4: Adding Fillings

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the pressed oat layer, creating pockets of melty chocolate. Next, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the chocolate chips, providing that signature gooeyness that defines Carmelita Bars. Finally, take the remaining oat mixture and sprinkle it on top, pressing it gently to form a cohesive top layer.

### Step 5: Baking

Transfer the baking pan to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fragrant. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be hard to resist!

### Step 6: Cooling

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is essential because it lets the caramel set, making it easier to cut into neat squares. Patience is key!

How to Serve Carmelita Bars

Carmelita Bars are delightful on their own, best enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee or a warm glass of milk. For a truly indulgent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing the warmth of the bars to slightly melt the ice cream for a decadent treat. They’re also fantastic for picnics or as packed snacks for school or work.

How to Store Carmelita Bars

To keep your Carmelita Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Expert Tips for Perfect Carmelita Bars

• Choosing Caramel Sauce: Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your own caramel sauce to elevate your bars.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly, as the caramel will add sweetness too.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
• Preventing Sticking: Use parchment paper in the baking pan for added ease in removal.
• Serving Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve the bars warm right out of the oven with a drizzle of additional caramel sauce on top.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Carmelitas: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat mixture for a crunchy texture.
• Cookie Dough Carmelitas: Mix chocolate chip cookie dough with the oat mixture for a rich twist.
• Peanut Butter Carmelitas: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the caramel sauce for a nutty dimension.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

2. What can I use if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make a quick homemade caramel using sugar and cream, or use store-bought butterscotch sauce as a substitute.

3. How can I tell when my Carmelita Bars are done?
Look for a golden-brown top; the bars should be firm to the touch, and you can also check if the sides are pulling slightly away from the pan.

4. Can I add different kinds of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips according to your preference.

5. How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?
Make sure to pack the oat mixture well and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will help them hold their shape better.

Conclusion

Carmelita Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the warmth and earthy flavor of oats, the lusciousness of caramel, and the richness of chocolate. They’re easy to make and incredibly rewarding, offering satisfaction in every chewy, sweet bite. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to bring smiles to faces and comfort to hearts. So gather your ingredients and indulge in the irresistible world of Carmelita Bars today!

Carmelita Bars

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious layered bars with chewy oats, rich caramel, and melty chocolate. Perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, baking soda, and salt. Stir until crumbly.
3. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the oat layer, then drizzle caramel sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel and press gently.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and fragrant.
6. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve warm for best flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg