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Carmelitas Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (includes cooling)
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Carmelitas are decadent dessert bars featuring layers of buttery oat cookie crust, gooey caramel filling, and melted chocolate chips. These irresistible bars offer a delightful combination of textures—chewy, soft, and slightly crisp—making them a favorite for gatherings or special treats. Easy to prepare, they bring together pantry staples for a truly indulgent homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Crust and Topping

  • 3/4 cup salted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup rolled oats or old fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

For the Filling

  • 40 caramel squares
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

For the Chocolate Layer

  • 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan, ideally with parchment paper to prevent the caramel from sticking and to make removal easier.
  2. Make the Cookie Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly and fully incorporated.
  4. Form the Base: Press about half of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly set.
  5. Prepare the Caramel Filling: While the crust bakes, place the caramel squares, heavy cream, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir together and heat on high for 1 minute. Stir, then heat for another minute, and stir again until smooth. Only heat as much as needed until the mixture is melted and smooth to avoid seizing.
  6. Layer the Chocolate: Once the crust has finished baking, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust.
  7. Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the layer of chocolate chips.
  8. Top with Remaining Crust: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel, gently pressing or tapping down with your hand to form a topping.
  9. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and set.
  10. Cooling and Slicing: Remove the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing. For clean bars and to prevent the caramel from oozing out, let the pan set at room temperature overnight or chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing to avoid the caramel running out.
  • Parchment paper makes removal much easier and cleaner.
  • The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
  • Old fashioned oats yield a chewier texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/carmelitas-recipe/