Best Ever Carmelitas
Oh boy, get ready for a sweet adventure! I can hardly contain my excitement as I introduce you to my all-time favorite treat – **Best Ever Carmelitas**. This delightful dessert has a soft spot in my heart and a special place in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made these; it was during a cozy weekend baking session with my kids, and the kitchen was filled with the aroma of butter and brown sugar. It was pure magic watching their faces light up as they sank their teeth into those ooey-gooey layers of caramel and chocolate.
What makes these Carmelitas truly unique is their irresistible combination of chewy oats, rich caramel, and melty chocolate. They’re like a warm hug on a plate! Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a gathering, I guarantee these little squares of heaven will leave everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe!).
What’s in Best Ever Carmelitas?
Let’s break down these delicious ingredients that come together to create the most satisfying treat ever:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the secret to a rich and buttery taste. I always prefer using a good quality butter; it makes all the difference!
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed: The key to that lovely caramel flavor! I opt for light brown sugar, but dark can add even more depth.
– 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crumbly oat mixture. Just regular flour will do!
– 1 cup rolled oats: These add texture and that comforting chewiness. Make sure to use rolled oats for best results.
– 1/2 tsp salt: A little salt enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
– 1/2 tsp baking soda: This helps our bars rise just a tad, keeping them nice and soft.
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips: I always go for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate! You can even toss in a few more on top for added indulgence.
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade. I confess, I sometimes whip up my own because it’s so much fun!
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): I enjoy pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch, but these are totally optional if you prefer a nut-free version.
Is Best Ever Carmelitas Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health. While those glorious layers of chocolate and caramel are undeniably delicious, they also come with a few considerations. The star ingredient, butter, adds healthy fats but is also calorie-rich, so maybe save these for special occasions instead of having them every day!
On the upside, rolled oats are a fantastic source of fiber, giving a bit of heartiness to all that sweetness. They can be beneficial for heart health and keeping you full for longer. The nuts (if you choose to add them) provide protein and healthy fats too. So, these bars do carry some goodness among the indulgent chocolate and caramel layers, but it’s all about balance, right?
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Best Ever Carmelitas?
Ready to bring these mouth-watering treats to life? Here’s how to do it:
1. **Preheat your oven**: Set that oven to 350°F (175°C) and either grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Trust me, it makes for easy cleanup!
2. **Creaming Time**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I love using my stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer does the job just fine too.
3. **Mix the Dryers**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking soda.
4. **Combine**: Gradually add those dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to form a crumbly dough. Your arm might get a workout here!
5. **Pressing Down**: Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This is going to be our lovely base layer.
6. **Bake**: Pop the crust in the oven for 10 minutes and then take it out. It should be lightly golden at this point.
7. **Layering Goodies**: Drizzle that luscious caramel sauce evenly over the baked crust, followed by the chocolate chips and any nuts if you’re using them.
8. **Final Crumbly Layer**: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, spreading it out to cover the caramel and chocolate layer evenly.
9. **More Baking**: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
10. **Cooling Time**: Once out of the oven, let the dish cool completely before cutting into squares. This is crucial – trust me, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess!
Let’s Make It Fancy!
Here are some additional tips and suggestions to elevate your Carmelitas:
– For an extra touch, consider melting some chocolate and drizzling it over the cooled Carmelitas before serving! It’s like adding a cherry on top; who doesn’t love more chocolate?
– Want a warmer experience? These are divine served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Let’s just say, if you want a dessert that truly wows, this is it!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, turn on your oven, and let’s make some **Best Ever Carmelitas**! I can’t wait for you to dive into these delightful treats and hope they hold as many wonderful memories for you as they have for me. Don’t forget to share your baking stories or any twists you try with the recipe; I would love to hear all about it! Enjoy!
