Oatmeal Carmelitas Recipe

Oatmeal Carmelitas are one of those irresistible treats that seamlessly combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the decadent delight of caramel and rich semisweet chocolate. These layered bars strike the perfect balance between chewy, buttery, and sweet, making them a beloved classic for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack or a special dessert to share, Oatmeal Carmelitas are bound to become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step toward creating these scrumptious bars, each chosen carefully to contribute texture, flavor, and that signature caramel charm.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to hold everything together perfectly.
• Old-fashioned oats: Give the bars a delightful chewiness and hearty texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a subtle molasses hint, enhancing depth in flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise ever so slightly, creating a soft, tender bite.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
• Cold unsalted butter: Essential for the rich, crumbly base and topping layers.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Bring that classic chocolatey goodness that pairs beautifully with caramel.
• Salted caramel sauce: The star ingredient that provides gooey, buttery sweetness with a salty kick.

How to Make Oatmeal Carmelitas

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure an even bake. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan with a non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. This simple prep step makes sure your Oatmeal Carmelitas come out clean and intact every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir these together well to evenly distribute all that beautiful flavor and leavening through your bars. This dry foundation infuses every bite with the essential textures and sweetness that make Oatmeal Carmelitas so addictive.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Cut the cold butter into small half-inch pieces and blend it into the dry mixture using a pastry blender or your clean hands. Work quickly until the mixture resembles a crumbly streusel. This step is key—it creates the buttery, tender layers that both hold your bars together and provide that irresistible crumble topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Press about three-quarters of the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a solid base. Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over this crust, then drizzle the salted caramel sauce right on top, letting that sticky sweetness ooze across the layer. Finally, scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the caramel, leaving little pockets where the caramel and chocolate peek through, teasing how delicious these bars will be.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the layers have melded together into a cohesive, chewy bar. Once baked, let the Oatmeal Carmelitas cool completely in the pan—this patience will pay off with cleaner cuts and perfectly set layers.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the whole block from the pan and slice into squares or rectangles. If you like, drizzle a little more salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra dash of indulgence before serving.

How to Serve Oatmeal Carmelitas

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, drizzle additional salted caramel on top or sprinkle flaky sea salt to enhance that sweet-salty contrast. You could also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips for visual appeal and a touch more sweetness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert experience. For a lighter option, serve alongside fresh berries or a cup of your favorite warm tea or coffee to balance their richness.

Creative Ways to Present Oatmeal Carmelitas

Try serving these bars in a dessert tray alongside other baked treats for a rustic party platter. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and spear with decorative toothpicks for a charming finger-food option at gatherings. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with twine makes for delightful homemade gifts everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep your Oatmeal Carmelitas fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This maintains their chewy texture and keeps the caramel perfectly soft.

Freezing

If you want to hold on to these bars longer, freeze them in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When properly frozen, they’ll keep delicious for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy Oatmeal Carmelitas warm, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven until the chocolate slightly melts and the caramel softens. This brings back that freshly baked magic, making each bite feel like a warm hug.

FAQs

Can I substitute different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips provide a classic balance, you can swap in milk chocolate for a sweeter bar or bittersweet for a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate also makes a fun twist but may change the overall sweetness.

Is it possible to make Oatmeal Carmelitas gluten-free?

Yes, by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these bars without gluten. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still shine.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and can be customized to your preferred sweetness and saltiness. Just make sure it’s thick enough so it won’t run too much during baking.

What’s the best way to cut Oatmeal Carmelitas without them crumbling?

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, ideally refrigerating them for about 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife—wiping it clean between slices helps keep the bars looking neat and prevents crumbs.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can bring wonderful crunch and flavor. Mix them into the crumb mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking for a delightful variation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a dessert that combines wholesome oats, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate in every bite, then these Oatmeal Carmelitas are your answer. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, they’re a fantastic way to brighten up any day or occasion. Trust me, once you share these bars with friends or family, they’ll be requesting them again and again. So go ahead—bake up a batch and savor the magic for yourself!