Carmelitas: The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Cookie Bar Recipe
A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunch transforms every bite into pure indulgence.
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the buttery crunch of oats, rich chocolate chips, creamy caramel, and the nutty goodness of pecans, look no further than carmelitas. These classic bar cookies are beloved for their irresistibly gooey filling layered between soft, crumbly oat cookie dough. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, carmelitas have earned a permanent spot in the bake sale hall of fame. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to master this decadent treat at home.
Table of Contents
- What Are Carmelitas?
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Step-By-Step Directions
- Expert Tips for Perfect Bars
- Customizations & Variations
- Making Ahead & Storage
- Serving Ideas
- FAQs About Carmelitas
What Are Carmelitas?
Carmelitas are layered, bar-style cookies notable for their gooey caramel center, rich chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and a hearty oat-based cookie crust. Originating in the 1967 Pillsbury Bake-Off, the original recipe made by Erlyce Larson quickly gained popularity for its easy technique and crowd-pleasing appeal. Over time, carmelitas have become a favorite at bake sales, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, thanks to their unique texture combination and flavor profile.
In essence, carmelitas are composed of:
- A buttery oat cookie mixture for both crust and crumb topping
- A layer of luscious caramel (often from store-bought sauce or melted caramels and cream)
- A generous sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Nuts for a crunchy, savory accent—usually pecans or walnuts
Key Features of Carmelitas
- Decadently gooey: Caramel and melting chocolate fuse for a rich, luxurious bite
- Simple assembly: The same oat base is used for both the crust and the topping
- No mixer needed: You only need a bowl and spatula
Why Are They So Irresistible?
Carmelitas successfully combine multiple textures and flavors in each bite—the chewy, slightly salty oat crust, the velvety chocolate, and the melting sweetness of caramel make them uniquely satisfying. The addition of nuts provides both flavor complexity and crunch. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or after setting, these bars offer the perfect harmony of salty-sweet decadence.
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Forms structure for the cookie crust and topping |
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | Adds chew and a hearty texture |
| Light brown sugar | Provides sweetness and moisture |
| Baking soda | Leavens the cookie layers for tenderness |
| Salted butter (melted) | Binds ingredients, adds richness, and delivers flavor |
| Vanilla extract | Enhances overall flavor |
| Caramel sauce (jarred or homemade) | Key for the gooey layer—opt for a high-quality, thick caramel sauce |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | Classic choice for rich, melty chocolate pockets |
| Pecan halves, chopped | Adds crunch and nutty flavor (can be swapped for walnuts) |
| Flaky sea salt | Balances sweetness and amplifies caramel notes |
Optional Substitutions
- Gluten-free flour can stand in for the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
- Dark or milk chocolate chips as alternate chocolate options.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
Step-By-Step Directions
Mastering carmelitas is simple! Follow this stepwise guide for gooey, picture-perfect bars every time:
1. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with baking spray, or line with parchment for easier removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda until well blended.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
- Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a crumbly, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Form the Base
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Use clean hands or a spatula to smooth it out.
5. Add the Fillings
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Add a generous layer of chopped pecans (if using).
- Spoon the caramel sauce over the chips and nuts, gently spreading to the corners with an offset spatula.
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6. Top It Off
- Crumble the remaining oat dough evenly over the caramel, covering as much as possible but allowing some caramel to peek through.
7. Bake & Cool
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling just at the edges.
- Remove and let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least one hour—this is essential for the bars to set and slice cleanly.
8. Slice & Serve
- Once cool, lift the slab out using parchment if lined, and cut into bars.
- Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect salty-sweet balance.
Expert Tips for Perfect Bars
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut warm bars! Allowing the carmelitas to cool fully is crucial for clean slices and proper texture.
- Even Pressing: Spend a moment ensuring your crust is even—this prevents thin spots and leaking caramel.
- Caramel Sauce Consistency: Use a thick caramel sauce to avoid overly runny bars. If using a thinner sauce, consider thickening it slightly with a spoonful of flour.
- Nut Placement: Chopped nuts on top of the chocolate layer help them toast a bit in the oven, maximizing flavor.
- For Warm Bars: Enjoy a slice slightly warm for a messy, irresistibly gooey experience—just be prepared for less tidy presentation!
Customizations & Variations
Carmelitas are endlessly adaptable! Try these fun twists:
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts and add more chocolate chips, or try sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Peanut Butter Carmelitas: Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the caramel layer.
- Espresso Carmelitas: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso to the dough for a mocha flavor.
- Salted Caramel Lovers: Use salted caramel sauce and double the sea salt topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour; the result is nearly identical in taste and texture!
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in dark chocolate chunks or even toffee bits for more depth.
Making Ahead & Storage
Carmelitas are a make-ahead dream—the flavors deepen and the texture improves after a rest.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For optimal texture, especially in warmer climates, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Freeze: Wrap well and freeze bars for up to 2 months—thaw overnight at room temperature for grab-and-go treats.
Serving Ideas
- As is: The iconic way—cut into hearty bars and enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
- Ala mode: Warm a bar briefly in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae.
- With coffee: Carmelitas make a rich companion to a hot mug of coffee or espresso.
- Potluck platter: Double the recipe for a crowd and arrange bars on a large serving board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the origin of carmelitas?
A: Carmelitas were first popularized in the 1967 Pillsbury Bake-Off by Erlyce Larson, quickly becoming a favorite due to their unique chewy-gooey texture and layered construction.
Q: Can I use homemade caramel instead of jarred?
A: Yes! You can melt soft caramel squares with heavy cream for a homemade layer, but high-quality thick caramel sauce is the quickest, most reliable choice for even layering.
Q: Are carmelitas gluten-free?
A: They are not gluten-free by default, but you can substitute gluten-free flour and oats for a delicious gluten-free alternative.
Q: How do I cut carmelitas cleanly?
A: Wait until the bars are fully cooled and set. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between each slice for perfect edges.
Q: My bars seem too runny. What went wrong?
A: Likely the caramel sauce was too thin, or the bars were cut before cooling. Use a thick caramel and allow ample time to set before slicing.
Q: Can I make carmelitas without nuts?
A: Absolutely—just leave out the nuts. The bars will still be deliciously gooey and flavorful.
Q: What’s the best chocolate to use?
A: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can substitute dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Q: Can I freeze carmelitas?
A: Yes—wrap bars tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bar, based on 16 bars)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Conclusion
Whether you’re sharing them at a party, adding them to a holiday dessert table, or making them for pure personal delight, carmelitas are a guaranteed hit. Their decadent combination of caramel, chocolate, nuts, and chewy oat layers creates a timeless treat adored by all ages. Soon, these bars may very well become a cherished tradition in your kitchen too.
References
- https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/carmelitas/
- https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/carmelitas/
- http://thebakerupstairs.com/2012/11/carmelitas.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a61100202/carmelitas-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41196193/caramel-dessert-recipes/
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