Carmelitas Recipe
User Reviews
5
Carmelitas Recipe
Description
The Carmelitas Recipe assembles a layered dessert bar featuring a buttery oat mixture that forms both the base and topping. The base layer is pressed and baked until partially firm, then topped with a layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melted caramel, softened with cream and salt, is poured over the chocolate, creating a creamy filling that solidifies during a second baking. The remaining oat mixture is crumbled over the top for a textured golden crust. The bars cool to develop a set but chewy texture, with a harmonious blend of sweet caramel, chocolate, and toasted oats.
The sweetness comes largely from the brown sugar in the oat base and the rich caramel center, balanced by a hint of salt. The oat and flour ratio provides a chewy yet sturdy structure that holds the caramel and chocolate layers well. Baking times and parchment lining facilitate easy removal for clean slicing.
These bars are useful as a dessert or snack and can be cut into squares for serving. Cooling fully before cutting helps achieve neater slices, preventing the caramel from oozing out excessively. Adjusting the pan size can affect thickness and baking times.
Weighting flour accurately prevents dryness in the bars. Adding vanilla extract to the oat mixture can add complexity, though it is optional. The caramel is melted in short bursts to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth filling. Parchment or foil lining aids in easy extraction from the pan.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter melted (170g, unsalted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar firmly packed (165g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup rolled oats 100g, old-fashioned
- 36 caramels unwrapped (220g)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 4 ounces, 112g, or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Combine the melted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and brown sugar in a large bowl and mix to combine. (If using salted butter omit the salt.)
- Add the flour, baking soda, and oats, and mix until combined. Divide the mixture in half and crumble one half into your lined baking pan. Press into an even layer, then bake for 10 minutes.
- While the base bakes, combine the unwrapped caramels, cream, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 40 second bursts, stirring in between each burst. (You’ll need 3-4 bursts depending on your microwave.) You can also melt this in a pot over low heat if desired, but make sure to stir frequently.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips in an even layer over the baked base then pour the melted caramel over the chocolate chips.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture in the bowl, then sprinkle it over the top. Bake for about 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan and cutting.
Notes
- Use an 8x8-inch pan for correct thickness; a 9x9-inch pan results in thinner bars needing a shorter baking time by about 5 minutes.
- Line your pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Weigh flour for best results; too much flour can make the bars dry. Spoon and level the flour if you don't have a scale.
- For added depth, include 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in the oat base mixture.
- If preferred, substitute chopped semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate bars for the chocolate chips.
- Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to avoid messy caramel spills.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 575 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 575kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 74g | 25% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 491mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 260mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 50g | 100% |
| Vitamin A | 691IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 100mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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