Looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe that will wow your friends and family? Look no further than these mouth-watering Carmelitas! With layers of chocolate, caramel, and oat cookie base, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and buttery oat cookie base creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.
- Carmelitas are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever you please.
Ingredient Notes:
Cookie Base:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookie base.
- Old-fashioned oats: Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the base.
- Salted butter: Enhances the richness and buttery flavor of the cookies.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cookie base.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor into the cookies.
- Baking soda and kosher salt: Helps the cookies rise and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate and Caramel Layer:
- Milk chocolate chips: Adds a creamy and sweet chocolate layer.
- Individually wrapped caramels: Brings a gooey and sticky caramel layer.
- Heavy cream: Helps melt the caramels and creates a smooth caramel filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Mix the cookie base ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the baking dish to create a base.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the base, followed by unwrapped caramels.
- Drizzle melted caramel mixture over the top and crumble the remaining cookie mixture on top.
- Bake until golden brown and let cool before slicing into bars.
Helpful Tips:
- For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the cookie base.
- Store Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Substitute dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality chocolate and caramels for a richer taste.
- Let the Carmelitas cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a decadent finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these indulgent Carmelitas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep Carmelitas fresh, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate layers before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of individually wrapped caramels? Yes, you can substitute with homemade caramel sauce, but ensure it is thick enough to hold its shape.
- Can I freeze Carmelitas for later? Yes, you can freeze Carmelitas in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I omit the chocolate chips for a less sweet version? Absolutely, feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for these irresistible Carmelitas, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert option or a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars are sure to impress. Try them out and let us know how they turned out – happy baking!
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Carmelitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carmelitas are a decadent dessert featuring layers of buttery oatmeal cookie base, rich milk chocolate chips, and gooey caramel, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1½ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Chocolate and Caramel layer
- 1½ cup milk chocolate chips
- 11 ounce individually wrapped caramels
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Base: Mix flour, oats, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Press half of the mixture into a greased pan.
- Add Chocolate and Caramel: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the base. Melt caramels with heavy cream and pour over the chocolate chips.
- Top with Remaining Cookie Mixture: Crumble the remaining cookie mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- You can add nuts or sea salt on top for extra flavor.
- Store the Carmelitas in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
