Carmelita Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances chewy, gooey, and crunchy, look no further than Carmelita Bars. With layers of chocolate, oats, and a luscious salted caramel sauce, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Adapted from Food Network, these Carmelita Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Carmelita Bars are special for several reasons. First and foremost, they combine the heartiness of oats with the richness of caramel and chocolate. This unique blend creates an irresistible dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a delightful experience. Not to mention, they’re incredibly easy to make! You can whip up a batch in no time, making them the ideal treat for a spontaneous gathering or a cozy night in.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these delicious Carmelita Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided use
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, divided use
- 1 1/2 cups Salted Caramel Sauce (homemade or store bought)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
Make sure your caramel sauce is ready to go; if you’re interested in making your own, try this 1 Ingredient Caramel Sauce for a quick and easy option.
Equipment Breakdown
Before you get started, gather the necessary equipment:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – to hold your Carmelita Bars.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate measurements.
- Spatula – for spreading the mixture evenly.
- Oven – to bake the bars to perfection.
The Method for Carmelita Bars
Follow these steps to create your delightful Carmelita Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Carmelita Bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 3/4 cups of quick-cooking oats, 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 4: Cream the Butter
In another bowl, cream together 1 1/4 cups of softened unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. This will help create a wonderfully soft texture for your bars.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans into the mixture. Reserve the remaining chocolate chips and pecans for topping.
Step 7: Layer the Mixture
Spread half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly. Make sure to cover the bottom completely.
Step 8: Add the Caramel and Remaining Ingredients
Pour 1 1/2 cups of salted caramel sauce over the layer of oats, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and pecans on top of the caramel.
Step 9: Top with the Remaining Oat Mixture
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer. This will create a delicious topping for your bars.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
Step 11: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. This will help the caramel set and make for easier slicing.
International Equivalents
If you’re looking to make Carmelita Bars around the world, here are some equivalents:
- Flour: 1 cup = 120 grams
- Brown sugar: 1 cup = 200 grams
- Butter: 1 stick = 113 grams
- Oats: 1 cup = 90 grams
- Chocolate chips: 1 cup = 170 grams
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while making your Carmelita Bars, here are some helpful tips:
- If the bars are too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted butter to the oat mixture.
- If the caramel is too runny, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the bars.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars after cooling for a couple of hours.
- If they crumble while cutting, use a sharp knife and warm it slightly to make slicing easier.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
Carmelita Bars are perfect for freezing! Here’s how to store them for later enjoyment:
- Allow the bars to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for added protection.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Common Questions
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture might be slightly different. Quick-cooking oats create a chewier consistency that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover them to keep them fresh.
If you’re looking for more quick and easy dessert ideas, check out these links for delicious recipes:
Make It Tonight
Now that you have everything you need to create these fantastic Carmelita Bars, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re preparing a treat for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these bars are sure to impress. With their irresistible layers of oats, chocolate, and caramel, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
So, roll up your sleeves and start mixing. Your taste buds will thank you!
Carmelita Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream together unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans into the mixture.
- Spread half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Pour salted caramel sauce over the layer of oats and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and pecans on top.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Ensure your caramel sauce is ready before starting the recipe.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
- These bars can be made a day in advance and stored covered.
- They freeze well; wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- If too crumbly, add a bit more melted butter to the oat mixture.
