Carmelitas
I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍
Carmelitas are a tasty treat you can make at home. These bars have a buttery oat crust, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate chips. You’ll love how easy they are to make with just 15 minutes of prep time. The recipe makes 9 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
These indulgent bars combine simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and oats to create something special. As you bite into a Carmelita, you’ll enjoy layers of flavor and texture. The crisp oat crust gives way to smooth caramel and melty chocolate. It’s a heavenly mix that will have you reaching for seconds.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy Carmelitas:
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 35-40 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Make sure you have all these items ready before you start baking. The melted butter and packed brown sugar will give your Carmelitas a rich, caramel-like base.
Don’t forget to use old fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. This will give your bars the perfect chewy texture.
For the gooey caramel center, you’ll need those soft caramel candies and heavy cream. The chocolate chips will melt into a delicious layer between the oat crust and caramel.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray of cooking oil.
In a big microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Heat it for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring between each round.
Mix in the brown sugar and vanilla. Then add flour, oats, baking soda, and half the salt. Stir until you have a thick dough.
Press half the dough into your lined pan to make the crust. Bake it for 10 minutes.
While that’s baking, make the caramel. Put the caramels and cream in a pot over low heat. Stir often until it’s all melted and smooth. Add the rest of the salt.
Take the pan out of the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot crust. Pour your caramel sauce on top. Crumble the rest of the oat mix over everything.
Bake again for 15-18 minutes. The edges should turn light brown.
Let it cool for at least 4 hours. Use the parchment to lift the bars out, then cut into squares. For neater slices, chill in the fridge before cutting. Enjoy your treat!
Possible Substitutes List
Can’t find all the ingredients for Carmelitas? No worries! Here are some easy swaps you can try:
• Butter: Use coconut oil or margarine instead.
• Brown sugar: White sugar with a splash of molasses works well.
• Vanilla extract: Try almond extract for a nutty twist.
For the flour, you have options:
- Whole wheat flour
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
Don’t have old-fashioned oats? Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the texture may be a bit different.
No caramel candies? Make your own quick caramel sauce:
- Melt 1 cup sugar in a pan over medium heat
- Add 6 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup cream
- Stir until smooth
For the chocolate chips, try these tasty alternatives:
• Milk chocolate chips
• White chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
Can’t find heavy cream? Use half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Remember, substitutions may slightly change the texture or flavor, but your Carmelitas will still be yummy!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make Carmelitas more suitable for people with diabetes, you can try a few simple swaps. Start by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds more fiber and nutrients.
Replace the brown sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These options won’t spike blood sugar as much as regular sugar.
For the caramel sauce, try using sugar-free caramel candies. You can find these at many grocery stores. Mix them with unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.
Choose sugar-free chocolate chips to lower the overall sugar content. Dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa are another good option.
Cut the bars into smaller squares to reduce portion sizes. This lets you enjoy the treat while keeping carb intake in check.
Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian before making big changes to your diet. They can give you personalized advice on managing diabetes through food choices.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best results, use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. This gives the bars a better texture. When making the caramel sauce, stir constantly to prevent burning. If you don’t have caramel candies, you can use 1 cup of store-bought caramel sauce instead.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting. For cleaner slices, chill them in the fridge for about an hour. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. To make cutting easier, you can also line your pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the bars out.
Here are some fun mix-ins to try:
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)
- Different types of chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut
- Dried fruit
Store your Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
To reheat frozen Carmelitas, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving.