Gooey Goodness
If you’re a lover of anything sweet, gooey, and slightly indulgent, then Carmelitas are the dessert you need in your life. Picture this: layers of buttery oats, melty chocolate, and sticky caramel coming together in a symphony of sweet, salty, and utterly divine flavors. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just to treat yourself—this recipe will quickly become a go-to for all things comforting and decadent.
I’ve given this classic recipe my own twist, so it has that dreamy, magical feel I love to bring into all my creations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to easily lift the bars out later. - Create the Oat Base
In a large bowl, combine your oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined. This forms the buttery, crumbly crust and topping that sandwiches all the gooey goodness inside. - Press and Bake
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake this for about 10 minutes, just until it starts to set and turn a light golden brown. This step ensures that your crust doesn’t get soggy from all that caramel magic later. - Make the Caramel Layer
While the base is baking, heat your caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth and velvety. If you’re feeling extra fancy, making your own caramel sauce adds a homemade touch that really takes this dessert up a notch. - Layer and Assemble
Once the base is out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) evenly over it. Then, pour the caramel sauce over the top. - Add the Crumble Topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel and chocolate layers. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the rustic, uneven topping is part of the charm. - Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. - Cool and Cut
Let the Carmelitas cool completely before cutting into bars. I know, waiting is the hardest part! You can pop them in the fridge to speed up the cooling process if you’re as impatient as I am.
Magical Tips for Perfect Carmelitas:
- Customize Your Filling:
Swap out the chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. You can also experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds, or skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. - Make It Dairy-Free:
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version. Make sure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free. - Salted Caramel Twist:
If you love that sweet-salty combo, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the oat topping for an irresistible salted caramel vibe. - Storage Tips:
These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, but let’s be real—they probably won’t last that long!
Summary List of Tips:
- Customize the Filling: Swap out chocolate chips and nuts for your favorites.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter.
- Salted Caramel Magic: Add sea salt to the caramel layer for a sweet-salty twist.
- Store and Save: Keep at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze for later.
References:
- Baking Science Behind Oats and Caramel
- The Chemistry of Caramel
- How to Make Dairy-Free Desserts
- History of Sweet and Salty Flavors
- The Best Chocolate Chip Alternatives
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