Ad
I’m so excited to share with you a treat that holds a special place in my heart: Carmelita Bars. These delicious bars are a gooey blend of caramel and chocolate that just melt in your mouth, bringing warmth and joy to your kitchen. I remember the first time I made them with my granddaughter; we laughed, made a mess, and filled our home with the most wonderful aroma. This recipe is more than just food; it’s about the memories we create while baking together, sharing stories, and nurturing our loved ones with something sweet.
Let’s dive into how to prepare these delightful bars!
Total time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cost: Affordable
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 200 calories per bar
Ingredients for preparing Carmelita Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter: This adds the rich flavor and moisture that make these bars irresistibly delicious.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Gives the bars a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Adds a lovely texture and heartiness to the bars.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the bars, providing structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Because who can resist chocolate? They’re the star of the recipe!
- 1 cup caramel sauce: The gooey goodness that ties everything together.
Personal note: A simple trick is to warm your caramel sauce slightly before pouring it over the chocolate chips; it spreads more easily and creates a luscious layer.
Steps to prepare Carmelita Bars:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for getting that perfect golden color on your bars.
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. A non-stick spray or a light coat of butter works well here.
Step 2: Create the Base
- In a medium bowl, melt the 1 cup unsalted butter. I usually do this in the microwave, but you can also use a stovetop.
- Mix in 1 cup brown sugar until it’s smooth. The warm butter helps the sugar dissolve beautifully, making the base wonderfully sweet.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if it seems a bit crumbly; that’s how it should be!
Step 4: Form the Layers
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to make it nice and firm.
- Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips evenly over the base. Can you smell the chocolate already? It’s heavenly!
- Now, pour 1 cup caramel sauce over the chocolate chips. Make sure it covers them well!
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top. Don’t be too neat; you want it to look rustic and inviting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you want that perfect bake!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
Why I love making this dish:
Carmelita Bars remind me of family gatherings, where we all gather around the dessert table, sharing bites and smiles. Each bar is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a memory wrapped in layers of delightful flavors. It’s a recipe that I love to share because it brings joy to everyone who tries it.
What you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A 9×9-inch baking pan
- An oven
Step-by-step guide to preparing Carmelita Bars:
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key to achieving that perfect bake.
- Prepare your pan by greasing it well.
- Melt the butter in a medium bowl, then add the brown sugar and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until everything is combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of your baking pan, then sprinkle the chocolate chips and pour the caramel sauce.
- Crumble the remaining mixture over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
Tips for the best results:
- For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts to the mix for added crunch.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely; this makes them easier to cut.
Serving suggestions:
Enjoy these bars on their own, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A drizzle of additional caramel on top takes it over the edge!
Ads
What to pair Carmelita Bars with:
They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. The contrast of hot and cold enhances the experience of indulging in these sweet treats.
What to do with leftovers:
Store any leftover Carmelita Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long! You can also freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delicious.
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but if you do, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
- What can I substitute for caramel sauce? You can use dulce de leche if you prefer a different flavor.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix.
As I wrap up this journey through my beloved recipe for Carmelita Bars, I hope you feel inspired to bake a batch for yourself and your loved ones. These bars are simple to prepare and bring so much joy with each bite. I can’t wait for you to experience the same warm memories and smiles that they have given me. Happy baking!
Carmelita Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter Adds rich flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup brown sugar Provides caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 cup rolled oats Adds texture and heartiness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure to the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bars rise slightly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips Key ingredient for chocolaty goodness.
- 1 cup caramel sauce The gooey goodness that ties everything together.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter and mix in the brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Assembling the Bars
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the base.
- Pour caramel sauce over the chocolate chips.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooling
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.