Carmelitas Bars Recipe

If you love the perfect marriage of chewy oats, luscious caramel, and melty chocolate, then you will absolutely adore this Carmelitas Bars Recipe. These bars are the ultimate treat, combining a crisp oat crust with gooey caramel and rich chocolate layers that create an irresistible snack or dessert. Every bite feels like a cozy hug with just the right amount of sweet and buttery goodness, making it an all-time favorite to keep on hand for family, friends, or just yourself. Trust me, once you try this Carmelitas Bars Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for impressing guests or satisfying those sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Carmelitas Bars Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial role in creating those magical layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery base and hearty oats to the indulgent caramel and chocolate, every ingredient brings something special to the party.

• 3/4 cup salted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps bind the oat crust to a perfect crumbly texture.
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds natural sweetness and a deep molasses flavor for warmth.
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with a fragrant, sweet aroma.
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base and topping to hold everything together.
• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats or old fashioned oats: Introduces chewy bite and hearty texture that balances the caramel.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust rise just enough to stay tender.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• 40 caramel squares: The star ingredient creating the luscious, gooey layer everyone craves.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Smooths out the caramel for creamy consistency.
• 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offers rich chocolate flavor melting perfectly on the warm crust.

How to Make Carmelitas Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Next, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly. This step is vital because the parchment paper prevents the caramel from sticking and makes it so much easier to lift out the bars after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Mixture

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter. Then whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creates the sweet, buttery foundation that will flavor every bite of your Carmelitas bars.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and half of the salt (1/4 teaspoon) to the butter mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix everything until it becomes crumbly and fully incorporated. This mixture will give the bars their signature oat texture and gentle crispness.

Step 4: Form the Base

Press about half of this crumbly cookie mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake it for 10 minutes until it sets slightly. This makes a sturdy yet tender crust that supports the caramel and chocolate layers without becoming soggy.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While the crust bakes, combine the caramel squares, heavy cream, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another minute, stirring again until the caramel becomes smooth and velvety. Be careful to heat only as much as necessary to avoid seizing the caramel.

Step 6: Layer the Chocolate

Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot base. The residual heat will gently melt the chocolate, creating a luscious layer that pairs perfectly with the creamy caramel.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Layer

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips. The chocolate and caramel layers will meld beautifully, creating the iconic gooey middle of these Carmelitas bars.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Crust

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer. Gently press or tap it down to form a topping that will bake up golden and slightly crispy, adding that perfect finishing texture to balance the soft caramel and chocolate beneath.

Step 9: Bake the Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the color—the top should turn a lovely light brown and feel set without drying out.

Step 10: Cooling and Slicing

After baking, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely. To get clean, neat squares without the caramel oozing out, allow the bars to set at room temperature overnight or chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before slicing. This patience will reward you with tidy, delicious bars every single time!

How to Serve Carmelitas Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar after baking. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for a pretty contrast. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch when sprinkled on top before baking.

Side Dishes

Carmelitas Bars are delightful on their own but pair exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a cup of rich coffee. They also make a sweet side to an afternoon tea or a perfect finish to a cozy family dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving Carmelitas bars on a beautiful platter lined with colorful doilies or parchment paper. Stack them in tiers for a stunning display, or cut them into smaller bite-size pieces to create a crunchy, caramel-chocolate tasting platter. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper tied with twine also makes lovely gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store Carmelitas Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain that perfect chewy yet crunchy texture without letting the caramel dry out.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat bars in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will soften the caramel and chocolate layers, making them taste freshly baked and gooey once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel in this Carmelitas Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! While caramel squares are convenient and melt smoothly, you can use homemade caramel or soft caramel candies. Just ensure they melt well with the cream to create a smooth filling.

Are rolled oats necessary or can I use quick oats instead?

Rolled oats give the bars their chewy, hearty texture. Quick oats work in a pinch but may result in a softer, less distinct oat bite. For the true classic Carmelitas experience, stick with rolled oats.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the luscious Carmelitas Bars Recipe without gluten concerns.

Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Definitely. Dark chocolate will add a more intense, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet caramel, while milk chocolate creates a creamier, sweeter flavor. Both variations work beautifully depending on your taste preferences.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Using parchment paper to line and grease your baking pan is key. It creates a smooth surface that prevents sticking and lets you easily lift out the bars. If you skip the parchment, be sure to grease the pan very well and maybe dust it with a little flour.

Final Thoughts

This Carmelitas Bars Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels both nostalgic and entirely indulgent. It’s the kind of treat that brings people together and sparks smiles with every bite. Warm, gooey, and layered with flavors and textures that compliment each other perfectly, these bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and share the love with your favorite people.

Print