Oh, let me tell you about the irresistible delight of Carmelitas! These gooey and indulgent treats are the perfect combination of sweetness and richness. Picture this: a buttery oatmeal base layered with creamy caramel and melty chocolate chips. It’s all topped off with a crunchy oatmeal crumble that adds the perfect finishing touch.
These Carmelitas are seriously addictive and satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth cravings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 11 ounces Kraft Caramel Bits (or wrapped caramel squares)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup flour
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chip 1 package, (or semi sweet)
For step-by-step instructions on making this Carmelitas please open the next page…
Instructions for Making Carmelitas
- Mix the caramel and the heavy whipping cream together in a small saucepan.
- Put it on a low heat and continue stirring until it becomes smooth and well mixed.
- Set smooth caramel aside.
- In another bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats.
- Coat an 8×8 inch pan with cooking spray, then firmly press half of the crust mixture onto the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the crust in the oven at a temperature of 350 degrees for a duration of 10 minutes.
- After the crust has finished baking, spread a layer of chocolate chips onto the warm crust.
- Take the warm caramel and cover the layer of chocolate chips.
- Afterwards, evenly distribute the remaining crust dough onto the caramel.
- Bake in oven at 350, for 15 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down or place it in the refrigerator for a period of 2 to 4 hours, or until it is completely chilled.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Understand Your Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your Carmelitas. Opt for high-quality caramel bits for a smoother, richer caramel layer, and use real butter instead of margarine for a better flavor and texture in the crust and topping.
Oats Selection: The recipe works well with both quick oats and regular oats. Quick oats will give you a finer, more cohesive crust, while regular oats offer a chewier texture. Your choice depends on your texture preference.
Melting Caramel: When melting caramel with heavy whipping cream, ensure the heat is low and stir constantly to avoid burning. A smooth, evenly melted caramel is crucial for a gooey filling.
Butter Temperature: Melted butter should be cooled slightly before mixing with the dry ingredients. If too hot, it can begin to cook the flour and oats, affecting the texture of the crust.
Layering: Achieving the perfect layering is key. Ensure the first layer of the crust is firmly pressed into the pan to create a solid base. When adding the caramel and chocolate chips, distribute them evenly to ensure every bite has a good balance of flavors and textures.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the oven as the Carmelitas bake. Overbaking can lead to a hard crust and topping, while underbaking may result in a too-gooey center that doesn’t hold its shape when cut.
Cooling Time: Allowing the Carmelitas to cool completely is perhaps one of the hardest parts, given their tempting aroma and appearance. However, this step is crucial for the layers to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
Serving Suggestions
A La Mode: Serve warm Carmelitas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm bars and the cold ice cream is delightful.
With Coffee or Tea: These sweet treats pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect choice for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Dessert Platter: Create a dessert platter by cutting the Carmelitas into smaller bite-sized pieces and arranging them with other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruits. This is great for parties or family gatherings.
Garnish Options: Before serving, consider a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the Carmelitas to enhance their flavor.
Dairy-Free Alternatives: For those with dairy restrictions, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel. Ensure the heavy whipping cream is also a suitable vegan alternative.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, Carmelitas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method keeps them chewy and prevents them from drying out.
Refrigerating: For longer storage, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. To serve, you might want to let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Freezing: Carmelitas freeze well. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reviving Leftovers: If the Carmelitas have hardened over time, a quick stint in the microwave can revive their gooey texture. Just a few seconds should be enough, so they don’t become too soft or melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of caramel bits? Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. However, ensure it’s thick enough to hold up in the layers without making the bars too soggy.
What can I use if I don’t have an 8×8 inch baking dish? You can use a 9×9 inch baking dish, but the layers will be slightly thinner, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13 inch baking dish. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure the middle sets properly.
Why did my Carmelitas come out too hard or too soft? If they’re too hard, they might have been overbaked or the caramel layer was too thin. If they’re too soft, they might not have been baked long enough, or there was too much caramel, preventing the layers from setting properly.
Can I add nuts to the recipe? Yes, nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added to the crust mixture or sprinkled on top of the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
How do I cut Carmelitas cleanly? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. Chilling the bars before cutting can also help achieve neater squares.
Are Carmelitas gluten-free? As written, the recipe is not gluten-free due to the flour. However, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Carmelitas
INGREDIENTS
- 11 ounces Kraft Caramel Bits or wrapped caramel squares
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup flour
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chip 1 package (or semi sweet)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix the caramel and the heavy whipping cream together in a small saucepan.
- Put it on a low heat and continue stirring until it becomes smooth and well mixed.
- Set smooth caramel aside.
- In another bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats.
- Coat an 8×8 inch pan with cooking spray, then firmly press half of the crust mixture onto the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the crust in the oven at a temperature of 350 degrees for a duration of 10 minutes.
- After the crust has finished baking, spread a layer of chocolate chips onto the warm crust.
- Take the warm caramel and cover the layer of chocolate chips.
- Afterwards, evenly distribute the remaining crust dough onto the caramel.
- Bake in oven at 350, for 15 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down or place it in the refrigerator for a period of 2 to 4 hours, or until it is completely chilled.
