Introduction:
Indulge in the decadent delight of our easy Carmelita Bars, a caramel lover’s dream come true. Imagine soft, gooey caramel and luscious chocolate nestled between layers of buttery sweet oatmeal crumbs. These bars are destined to become your new favorite bar cookie, perfect for any occasion that calls for a treat.
The Ultimate Caramel Experience
Crafted with care, our Carmelita Bars offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. From the rich caramel sauce to the indulgent chocolate chips, every bite is a celebration of sweetness and satisfaction.
Recipe Details
Ingredients:
Cookie Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce:
- 36 caramels, unwrapped (Kraft brand)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract with a fork.
- Using a spoon and a fork, pat a little more than half of the mixture into your prepared pan and bake it for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the unwrapped caramels and the heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the caramels are melted, and the sauce is smooth. Use a whisk towards the end of the melting process for a smoother caramel sauce.
- Remove the baked oat mixture from the oven and sprinkle it with the chocolate chips.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips. Sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting. Once slightly cooled, you can speed the process up by placing the pan in the fridge.
Tips:
- Line your pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent the sticky caramel sauce from sticking.
- Prefer old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier texture and finish over quick oats.
- Have the caramels unwrapped and ready to go before you start the recipe to streamline the process.
- You can also make the caramel sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring very frequently until melted and smooth.
- Experiment with different chip flavors like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter for a variation in taste.
- Enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or macadamia nuts to the mix.
FAQs:
Q: How should I store Carmelita Bars?
A: Store fully cooled bars in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 8 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of oats for this recipe?
A: While quick oats can be substituted, we recommend old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier texture and finish.
Q: Can I make the caramel sauce on the stovetop instead of using the microwave?
A: Yes, you can make the caramel sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.