Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas
There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, gooey dessert, especially when it combines the delightful flavors of chocolate, caramel, and oats. These Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas are a true indulgence, providing the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or serving them at a gathering, these bars are guaranteed to impress. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a decadent dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
These Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas are not your average dessert bars. The combination of rolled oats and buttery layers creates a unique texture that is both satisfying and delicious. The addition of dulce de leche brings a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with semi-sweet chocolate chips, making each bite a heavenly experience. Unlike many other dessert recipes, these bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
What to Buy
To whip up these delightful Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list to help you gather everything you need:
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups for the base and binding.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon to help the bars rise.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 cups (4 sticks), softened for a rich flavor.
- Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats: 3 cups for that chewy texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: 2 cups packed to sweeten the bars.
- Dulce de Leche: 1 cup (16 ounces), canned is perfect for ease.
- Chocolate Chips: 1 cup semi-sweet for melty goodness.
- Pecans: ½ cup chopped for some crunch.
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- Spatula: To spread the mixture evenly.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works best for these bars.
- Oven Mitts: Safety first when handling hot pans!
Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas, Made Easy
Making these Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious outcome.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the bars much easier once they’re baked.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will serve as the base for your bars.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat together 2 cups of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Add Oats
Stir in the 3 cups of quick-cooking rolled oats into the butter and sugar mixture. This will give your bars their signature chewy texture.
Step 6: Layer the Mixture
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will serve as the crust for your Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas.
Step 7: Add Dulce de Leche
Spread 1 cup of dulce de leche evenly over the crust. This layer adds a luscious sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Step 8: Sprinkle Chocolate and Pecans
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of chopped pecans over the dulce de leche. You can adjust the amount of chocolate and nuts to suit your taste.
Step 9: Top with Remaining Oat Mixture
Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the chocolate and pecans, gently pressing it down to create a cohesive top layer.
Step 10: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.
Step 11: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. This will help the bars set properly. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy your Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas!
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly version of these delicious bars, consider the following substitutes:
- Almond Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Sweeteners: Use erythritol or stevia in place of brown sugar to cut down on carbs.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Add this for extra texture and flavor instead of oats.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Look for brands that offer low-carb chocolate chips.
Testing Timeline
To ensure your Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas come out perfectly, follow this testing timeline:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
Once you’ve baked your Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas, you’ll want to keep them fresh. Here are some tips for storage:
- Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Quick Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
What can I substitute for dulce de leche?
If you can’t find dulce de leche, you can use 1 Ingredient Caramel Sauce for a similar flavor and texture.
Can I add other types of nuts or dried fruits?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
To elevate your dessert experience, consider serving your with one of these delicious accompaniments:
The Last Word
Once you try these Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas, you’ll understand why they are such a hit. With their rich layers of chocolate and caramel, combined with the delightful chewiness of oats, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. So gather your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with this scrumptious treat!
Chocolate Oatmeal Carmelitas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: In another bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Stir in the quick-cooking rolled oats into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Step 6: Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
- Step 7: Spread the dulce de leche evenly over the crust.
- Step 8: Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the dulce de leche.
- Step 9: Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top, gently pressing it down.
- Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
- Step 11: Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- These bars can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
