Carmelitas

Carmelitas Recipe

Looking for the ultimate dessert bar that’s gooey, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy? These Carmelitas are the perfect treat! Layers of buttery oatmeal, melted chocolate, and creamy caramel make these bars absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this easy recipe will become a go-to in no time.

Why You’ll Love These Carmelitas:

• Irresistible Layers: The combination of oatmeal crust, rich chocolate, and a gooey caramel center is pure perfection.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have these delicious bars ready in under an hour.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or bake sale, Carmelitas are always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 32 caramel squares, unwrapped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with foil or parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift out the bars later.
2. Prepare the caramel: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the unwrapped caramel squares and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the oatmeal mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda until everything is well combined.
4. Bake the base: Pat half of the oatmeal mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, until slightly golden.
5. Layer with chocolate and caramel: Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips.
6. Add the topping: Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the caramel layer. Make sure to leave some gaps so the caramel peeks through. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the Carmelitas cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into bars and serve!

Nutrition & Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Calories: 350 kcal per bar

Tips & Variations:

• Storage: Keep your Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal mixture for some added crunch and flavor.
• Salted Caramel: For a sweet and salty combo, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the topping.

Final Thoughts:

These Carmelitas are a delicious balance of chewy, chocolatey, and caramel goodness. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up, they’re sure to disappear fast once you serve them! Whether you make them for your family or a special occasion, everyone will be asking for seconds.

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