Carmelita Bars

Whenever I think of comfort food, Carmelita Bars come to mind. These delightful treats transport me back to my childhood kitchen, where the sweet aroma of baked goods filled the air. My mom would whip up these bars for special occasions, and they were always a hit among family and friends. The combination of layers, crunchy texture, and gooey caramel just makes my heart sing. I still remember the excitement of waiting for them to cool before diving in! Now, I love sharing this recipe and the memories that come with it. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones, and I guarantee they’ll disappear in no time!

Carmelita Bars Shopping List

When it comes to making Carmelita Bars, the quality of your ingredients really matters. The combination of flour, oats, and unsalted butter creates a delicious crumb base, while the chocolate chips and salted caramel sauce bring it all together for an indulgent treat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

• Flour: Essential for the crumb base, giving structure and texture.
• Quick-Cooking Oats: Adds chewiness and heartiness, making the bars satisfying.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly for a fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the crumb mixture.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide melty pockets of sweetness in each bite.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: The star of the show, this sweet and salty sauce brings everything together.
• Additional Flour: Used to mix with the caramel for a perfect drizzle consistency.

The Process for Making Carmelita Bars

Making Carmelita Bars is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet scents. You’ll love the ease of combining the ingredients and the anticipation of that first bite! Let’s get started on this delicious journey together.

1. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial step is crucial as it ensures even baking for your Carmelita Bars. Meanwhile, prepare a 9 by 13-inch pan by lightly coating it with non-stick spray, which helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, quick-cooking oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and unsalted butter. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined and forms a crumbly texture. This crumb mixture is the foundation of your bars.
3. Divide the crumb mixture into two equal portions. Press one half firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base. Make sure it’s evenly spread to ensure consistent baking.
4. Bake the base in the oven for about 10 minutes, just until it starts to set. This initial bake helps create a sturdy bottom layer that can hold the toppings.
5. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. During this time, sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the warm crust. The warmth helps melt the chocolate slightly, enhancing its flavor.
6. In a separate bowl, mix your salted caramel sauce with the additional 2 1/2 tablespoons of flour. This step is essential for creating a drizzle that won’t run off the bars. Drizzle the mixture generously over the chocolate and pecans, ensuring even coverage.
7. Top everything with the remaining crumb mixture, creating a final layer. Sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of pecans on top for extra flavor and texture.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Watch closely as it bakes; you want to see a golden-brown crust on top. The aroma will be irresistible!
9. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing the layers to set.
10. Finally, transfer the pan to the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step is crucial for the caramel filling to set properly, making it easier to cut into squares. When you’re ready, slice into bars and enjoy your Carmelita Bars!

Expert Tips about Carmelita Bars

Making the perfect Carmelita Bars is all about the details. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Storage: Store leftover Carmelita Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you refrigerate them, they can last even longer.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
• Pairing: These bars are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. They also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Cutting Tips: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it with warm water between cuts. This prevents sticking and helps maintain the appearance.
• Variations: Try substituting different nuts or chocolate varieties to customize your Carmelita Bars. You can also make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.

Serving Suggestions

Ready to serve your delicious Carmelita Bars? Here are some ideas to make the most of these treats:

• Perfect for Gatherings: These bars are ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. They’re easy to cut and share, making them a hit among guests.
• Cookie Exchange: They make a fantastic addition to any cookie exchange during the holidays or special occasions.
• Lunch Box Treats: Pack them in lunch boxes for a sweet surprise! They’re a great way to add a homemade touch to lunches.
• Movie Night Snacks: Serve them as dessert during family movie nights. They’re sure to please both kids and adults alike!
• Celebration Desserts: These bars are perfect for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. Just cut them into festive shapes and enjoy!
• Seasonal Options: Consider adding seasonal flavors, like pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint in the winter, to keep things interesting all year round.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Carmelita Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel into a satisfying dessert. With their easy preparation and delicious layers, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to try making them yourself; you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy sharing these bars with friends and family for an unforgettable sweet experience.

Carmelita Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Carmelita Bars are a delightful blend of chocolate and gooey caramel, making for an easy weeknight treat. With their rich layers and satisfying texture, they’ll satisfy any sweet craving. Whip up a batch tonight and enjoy this decadent dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Flour
• 1.75 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
• 1.25 cups Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 1.25 cups Unsalted Butter
• 1.5 cups Chocolate Chips divided use
• 0.25 cups Chopped Pecans divided use
• 1.5 cups Salted Caramel Sauce homemade or store bought
• 2.5 tablespoons Flour

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly cover a 9 by 13-inch pan with non-stick spray.
2. In stand mixer bowl, fitted with a paddle attachment, add in the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and butter. Mix on low until fully combined and mixture is crumbly. Evenly divide the mixture into 2 equal portions.
3. Press one half the crumb mixture in the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and cool slightly.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips, and 1 cup chopped pecans over the cooled crust. Mix the salted caramel sauce, and 2.5 tablespoons of flour together, and drizzle over the chocolate chips, and pecans. Top with the remaining crumb mixture and remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup pecans.
5. Transfer the pan back to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust starts to brown. Remove from the oven and transfer pan to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes then, transfer to the refrigerator for the caramel filling to set, about 2 hours.

Notes

Tip: Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean edges.

Previous PostEasy Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Next Post Oven Hamburgers

Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.