Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!)
Indulging in a warm, gooey treat can brighten any day, and these Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!) are the perfect blend of chewy oats, rich caramel, and decadent chocolate. These bars are not only incredibly delicious but also straightforward to make, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and seasoned bakers. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into why this recipe works, what you need, and how to create these irresistible bars.
Why This Recipe Works
The success of Carmelita Bars lies in the balance of ingredients. The old-fashioned oats provide a hearty texture that complements the gooey caramel and melted chocolate. Brown sugar adds a deep, rich sweetness, while the combination of butter and flour creates a soft yet sturdy base. The baking soda and salt enhance the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced. When baked, these bars become a deliciously chewy, caramel-infused treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
What Goes In
To create these scrumptious Carmelita Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 30 pieces of soft caramels (like Kraft caramels)
- 5 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cook’s Kit
Before you begin baking, ensure you have the following kitchen tools and equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for these bars.
- Spatula: For mixing and smoothing the batter.
- Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the caramels.
The Method for Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!)
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the steps to create these delicious Carmelita Bars.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and have that delicious golden-brown top.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This step is crucial to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture is crumbly but well combined. It should resemble wet sand.
Step 5: Press the Mixture Into the Pan
Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base of your bars.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Filling
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Heat gently until melted and smooth, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 7: Layer the Caramel and Chocolate
Pour the melted caramel over the pressed oat base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
Step 8: Add the Remaining Oat Mixture
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate chips and caramel. This will create a lovely topping for your bars.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you need to make any adjustments for dietary preferences, consider the following alternatives:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream alternative for the caramel.
- Nut-Free: Ensure chocolate chips and any other added ingredients are nut-free.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry mixture.
- Do not overbake. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid them falling apart.
- For an added touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate chips.
Shelf Life & Storage
These Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!) are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Quick Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use quick oats, the texture of the bars will be different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture, which is ideal for these bars.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate, depending on your preference.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they will be just as delicious the next day!
Save & Share
If you loved this recipe as much as we do, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Tag us on social media when you make your own Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!) – we would love to see your creations!
These Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!) are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their chewy texture and irresistible layers of caramel and chocolate, they are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. Happy baking!
Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture. Stir until crumbly but well combined.
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Heat gently until melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted caramel over the pressed oat base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate chips and caramel.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry mixture.
- Do not overbake; the bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
- For an added touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel layer.
