Carmelitas

Every time I make these delightful Carmelitas, my heart warms with memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent in the kitchen. I remember the first time I baked them; the aroma of melting chocolate and rich caramel wafted through our home, drawing everyone in like a comforting hug. My loved ones gathered around, waiting anxiously as I pulled the golden bars from the oven. Their eager smiles were all the encouragement I needed, and I knew then that this treat was destined to become a staple in our family.

Carmelitas are more than just a dessert; they symbolize the joy of sharing something special with the people you love. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or having a simple family dinner, there’s something about these sweet bars that brings everyone together. The rich blend of buttery oatmeal, gooey caramel, and chocolate chips is a flavor combination that never fails to impress. I just know once you try making these yourself, you’ll discover a little slice of joy that your family will savor as much as mine does!

How to make Carmelitas

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter: This is the foundation of your Carmelitas, giving them that rich, buttery flavor we all adore.
• 1 cup brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor that white sugar just can’t provide.
• 1 cup rolled oats: They give the bars a chewy texture that’s perfectly balanced with the gooeyness of the caramel.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This binds everything together to create a perfect crumbly crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A key ingredient that helps the bars rise a little and gives them a nice structure.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: This enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors wonderfully.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Chocolate is, of course, essential! I love semi-sweet chips, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
• 1 cup caramel sauce: You can buy it pre-made or whip up your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, it’s the star of the show!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely aromatic flavor that ties everything together.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the cooking steps together!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for that golden crust you want to achieve!

2. Prepare your baking dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. You want to make sure those bars don’t stick!

3. Melt the butter: In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. There’s something so comforting about the gentle aroma of melting butter—it just signals that you’re about to bake something delicious!

4. Mix in the sugars: Once the butter is melted, add in the brown sugar. Mix it well until it’s blended smoothly. You want that glossy look that just beckons for a spoon!

5. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step keeps everything evenly distributed when combined later.

6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You want a thick, crumbly texture that you can press into your baking dish.

7. Press half into the dish: Take about half of your oat mixture and press it into the bottom of the greased baking dish. You want it to be even, so that every bite is just as delicious.

8. Bake the crust: Place the dish in the oven for about 10 minutes. This initial baking helps develop a lovely texture!

9. Add chocolate and caramel: Once the crust is slightly set, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, and then drizzle that heavenly caramel sauce over the top.

10. Crumble the rest of the mixture: Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the caramel layer. You want those beautiful layers to shine through!

11. Finish baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the top should become golden and set.

12. Cool before slicing: This is the hardest part! Let the Carmelitas cool for a bit before cutting them into bars. I know the aroma is tempting, but trust me, they will slice much more easily when they have cooled.

Why I Love Making This Dish:

Carmelitas hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of family traditions. Each bite transports me back to simpler times, where gatherings centered around food and laughter. I adore how easy they are to make, but they also have that wow factor that leaves everyone asking for the recipe. When I bake these bars, I think of my children and grandchildren, and I can already picture their delighted faces as they take the first bite.

What You’ll Need:

A few essential tools you’ll need include a mixing bowl, a measuring cup, and a spatula. Additionally, having a good baking dish is critical for ensuring even baking. You might also want some parchment paper for easy cleanup if you’re feeling fancy!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Trust me, this step is key for achieving that crispy top!
2. Then, make sure to grease that baking dish well, so your Carmelitas don’t stick.
3. Next, keep mixing those ingredients until you get that gorgeous, smooth batter that you’re excited to bake!

Tips for Perfect Results:

1. If you want a deeper caramel flavor, opt for dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. It really adds a lovely richness!
2. Don’t rush the cooling step—letting them chill allows the caramel to set beautifully, making slicing so much easier.
3. You can add nuts for an extra crunch! Chopped pecans or walnuts can complement the flavors wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions and Sides:

Carmelitas are truly a star on their own, but if you’d like to elevate your dessert table, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is absolutely divine! A dusting of powdered sugar on top can also lend a beautiful presentation for gatherings.

Leftovers:

If you somehow find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence in my home!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer a chewier texture. They reheat beautifully in the microwave—just a few seconds to warm them up, and they’ll be nice and gooey again!

FAQ Section:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Absolutely! Just be aware that they might change the texture slightly—still delicious, though!

What if I don’t have caramel sauce? You can make a quick homemade caramel sauce with sugar and cream if you feel adventurous! It might take a bit longer, but the result is so worth it.

Can I freeze these Carmelitas? Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

With every bite, my Carmelitas fill not just my tummy but also my heart. This beloved recipe is so easy and rewarding, and I genuinely enjoy sharing it with all of you. I encourage you to give it a try—your family will adore it just as mine does! I can already hear the chorus of “Yummy!” and “Can we have more?” echoing around your dinner table as you slice into these sweet, gooey bars.

This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time.