Easy Carmelitas: The Ultimate Gooey Caramel & Chocolate Cookie Bars
Prepare yourself for a dessert experience that transcends the ordinary. These Easy Carmelitas are an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy nuts. Far beyond a simple cookie, these bars offer a symphony of textures and flavors in every decadent bite. With a buttery oat crust, a lavish layer of sweet caramel, a generous helping of two kinds of chocolate, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, it’s no wonder they consistently earn rave reviews. Fair warning: these treats are so unbelievably delicious, you’ll find it nearly impossible to stop at just one!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat, a crowd-pleasing potluck dessert, or simply a comforting bake for a cozy evening, these Carmelitas tick all the boxes. They are surprisingly simple to assemble, making them a fantastic option for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Carmelitas Recipe
There are countless reasons why these Carmelita bars stand out as one of the most delightful and effortlessly delicious cookie bar recipes you’ll ever encounter. This recipe truly simplifies the baking process without compromising on flavor or that homemade touch, making it a staple in any baker’s repertoire.
- Effortless Preparation: The secret to their incredible ease lies in using ready-made jarred caramel sauce. This simple shortcut eliminates the need for complex caramel-making, saving you significant time and effort in the kitchen. While homemade caramel is always an option, a high-quality store-bought version works beautifully and allows these bars to come together in a flash.
- Double the Chocolate Delight: Why settle for one type of chocolate when you can have two? This recipe calls for both classic semi-sweet chocolate chunks and vibrant mini M&M’s. The chocolate chunks melt into pools of rich, dark sweetness, while the M&M’s add a fun pop of color, a delightful candy crunch, and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream!
- Irresistible Texture Contrast: Each bite is an adventure in texture. You’ll experience the rich chewiness of the gooey caramel, the satisfying snap of two different chocolates, the crisp nuttiness of pecans, and the tender, buttery crumble of the oat crust. This harmonious blend ensures every mouthful is interesting and deeply satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While often associated with holiday baking due to their festive appeal, these Carmelitas are truly a year-round delight. Their versatility allows you to customize them for any celebration simply by swapping out the M&M’s for different seasonal colors or holiday-themed candies.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They consistently receive rave reviews and disappear quickly from any gathering. Be prepared for requests for the recipe – they’re just that good!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting these heavenly Carmelita bars requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and crunch. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these components are key:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our rich, buttery oat crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars. Melted butter helps bind the crumble mixture beautifully.
- Light Brown Sugar: Essential for both sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar contributes to the wonderfully chewy texture of the oat crust and adds a deeper, more complex molasses flavor compared to white sugar. Ensure it’s firmly packed for accurate measurement.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that elevates the sweetness and brings warmth to the overall profile of the bars. Don’t skip this!
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the oat crust, ensuring it holds together without being too dense.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: These are vital for the signature chewy and rustic texture of the Carmelita crust. Avoid instant or quick oats, as they absorb liquid differently and won’t give you the desired consistency.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the crust achieve a tender crumb, preventing it from becoming overly hard.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, enhancing all the flavors in the bars.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Roughly chopped semisweet chocolate provides rich, melting pockets of dark chocolatey goodness throughout the bars. You can use chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar for varying melt textures.
- Mini M&M’s: These add a playful crunch, extra chocolate flavor, and a beautiful splash of color. They hold their shape well during baking, providing visual appeal and a candy-like texture. Feel free to use regular mini M&M’s or festive seasonal colors.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans offer a delightful crunch and a distinct nutty flavor that perfectly complements the caramel and chocolate. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or even almonds could be substituted.
- Jarred Caramel Sauce (e.g., Mrs. Richardson’s): This is the star of the show for ease and convenience. A good quality, thick jarred caramel sauce will provide that irresistible gooey layer. If you prefer, a homemade dulce de leche or a rich butterscotch sauce could also be used, but ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when baked.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Easy Carmelitas
Creating these delightful Carmelita bars is a straightforward process, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly gooey, chocolatey, and nutty treats:
Preparation is Key
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Next, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan. Spray the pan generously with non-stick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This parchment “sling” will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled bars out of the pan for clean cutting. Spray the parchment paper again with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set your prepared pan aside.
Crafting the Buttery Oat Crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for your crumble: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 3/4 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt. Use a fork to stir these ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined. This dry mixture forms the base of your buttery crust and the delicious top crumble.
Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Pour in 3/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue to mix with your fork until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. It should resemble coarse wet sand with some larger clumps. This mixture will be split to form both the base and the topping of your Carmelitas.
Baking the Initial Crust
Take half of the oat crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a firm, compact layer. This will form the sturdy base for your bars. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This pre-baking step helps create a crisp foundation that won’t become soggy under the gooey filling.
Layering the Decadent Fillings
Once the initial crust has baked for 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Now comes the fun part – layering! Evenly sprinkle the chopped semi-sweet chocolate over the warm crust. Follow with one container of the mini M&M’s, distributing them thoroughly. Next, scatter the roughly chopped pecans over the chocolate layers. Finally, drizzle the 1 cup of jarred caramel sauce evenly over all the toppings. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; it will melt and spread during the second bake.
Adding the Top Crumble and Final Bake
Crumble the remaining half of the oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Try to cover as much of the caramel as possible. Finish by sprinkling the remaining container of mini M&M’s over the top crumble. This final layer of M&M’s will add a burst of color and a delightful candy crunch.
Return the pan to the oven and continue to bake for another 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. The center might still seem slightly soft, but it will set as it cools.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is absolutely crucial for perfect Carmelitas! Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 4 hours, or ideally, until they are firm and cool to the touch. This extended cooling time allows the caramel to properly set, preventing the bars from falling apart when cut.
Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of Carmelitas out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into your desired number of squares. Nine large squares are common, but you can cut smaller pieces for easier sharing or larger ones for a truly indulgent dessert.
Tips for Success & Expert Advice
Achieving bakery-worthy Carmelitas is simple with a few key pointers. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your bars are nothing short of spectacular:
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: This is arguably the most critical step. The caramel needs ample time to set. Trying to cut the bars while still warm will result in a messy, gooey (albeit delicious) disaster. Patience is truly a virtue here; at least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight is even better for perfectly firm, sliceable bars.
- Evenly Press the Crust: When pressing the first half of the oat mixture into the pan, make sure it’s an even layer. This ensures uniform baking and a consistent base for your caramel and chocolate layers.
- Quality Caramel Makes a Difference: While jarred caramel is used for convenience, opt for a good quality, thick caramel sauce. Thinner sauces might seep into the crust too much or become overly runny when baked. Mrs. Richardson’s is a reliable choice for its perfect consistency and rich flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars during the second bake. You’re looking for lightly browned edges and a bubbling caramel center. Overbaking can lead to a hard, rather than gooey, caramel layer. The center will set as it cools, so a slight wobble is perfectly fine.
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: The parchment paper sling is indispensable. It allows you to easily lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan, making cutting a breeze and ensuring clean edges. Don’t forget to spray the parchment with cooking spray too!
- Room Temperature for Best Texture: Carmelitas are often best enjoyed at room temperature, where the caramel is perfectly gooey and the chocolate is slightly soft. If they’ve been refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations & Customization Ideas
One of the joys of baking these Easy Carmelitas is their incredible adaptability. While the classic recipe is outstanding on its own, feel free to get creative and customize them to your taste or for specific occasions:
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate! Instead of semisweet, try milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or even white chocolate for a creamy contrast. You could also use a mix of chocolate chips (mini, regular, or even chunks).
- Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, or if you want to switch things up, chopped walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would work beautifully, adding their own unique crunch and flavor. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with an equal amount of pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Festive Flair with M&M’s: As mentioned, mini M&M’s are fantastic for seasonal customization. Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or red, white, and blue for patriotic holidays. You can also swap them for other small candies like chocolate-covered toffee bits, peanut butter cups, or even sprinkles for a birthday celebration.
- Salty-Sweet Perfection: For those who love the salty-sweet combination, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before the top crumble goes on will truly elevate the flavors and cut through the richness beautifully.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the oat crumble mixture can lend a warm, spiced undertone, perfect for autumn or winter baking.
- Boozy Twist: For an adult-friendly version, you could subtly enhance the caramel flavor by adding a teaspoon of bourbon or rum extract to the melted butter and vanilla mixture for the crust, or even a tiny splash directly into the caramel sauce if heating it slightly.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
These Easy Carmelitas are utterly delicious on their own, but a few thoughtful serving suggestions can take them to the next level and create a truly memorable dessert experience.
- Classic & Simple: Enjoy them just as they are! The rich flavors and varied textures make them a complete dessert in themselves. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or an after-dinner indulgence.
- Warm with Ice Cream: For an extra special treat, gently warm a square in the microwave for a few seconds until the caramel is super gooey. Serve it immediately with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm, soft bar and cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine. A drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate sauce on top wouldn’t hurt either!
- With Coffee or Milk: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a cold glass of milk. The slight bitterness of coffee or the refreshing coolness of milk perfectly balances the sweetness of the Carmelitas.
- As a Gift: Package individual squares in pretty cellophane bags or arrange them in a decorative tin. They make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or as hostess presents during the holiday season.
- Dessert Platter Star: Cut them into smaller, bite-sized squares and arrange them on a dessert platter alongside other treats for parties and gatherings. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible taste will make them a standout.
Storing Your Easy Carmelitas
To keep your Easy Carmelitas fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key:
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Stacking them with a piece of parchment paper between layers can prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to let them come closer to room temperature before serving for the best gooey caramel experience.
- Freezing: Carmelitas freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carmelitas
Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these Easy Carmelitas:
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: While an 8×8-inch pan is recommended for the ideal thickness, you could use a 9×9-inch pan. The bars will be slightly thinner, and the baking time might need to be reduced by a few minutes. A 9×13-inch pan would result in much thinner bars and would require doubling the recipe ingredients.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well, as oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated during processing.
Q: My caramel seems too thin, what can I do?
A: If your jarred caramel sauce is quite thin, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold water) until slightly thickened. Be sure to cool it slightly before drizzling onto the crust. This helps it set better.
Q: How do I get clean cuts?
A: The most important tip for clean cuts is to ensure the bars are COMPLETELY cooled and set. Use a sharp, warm knife. You can warm the knife by running it under hot water and then wiping it dry between each cut. This helps glide through the caramel and chocolate without dragging.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Carmelitas are an excellent make-ahead dessert. They keep well at room temperature for several days, and as mentioned, they can also be frozen, making them perfect for holiday meal prep or future gatherings.
More Delicious Cookie Bar Recipes to Enjoy
If you’ve loved these Easy Carmelitas, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other fantastic cookie bar recipes:
Easy Toffee Chocolate Chip Bars
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Easy Carmelitas
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. coarse kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 2 1.77-oz. containers mini M&M’s
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup caramel, I use Mrs. Richardson’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper with an overhang on two sides to create a “sling.” Spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir together with a fork until well mixed. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract and continue to mix with your fork until well combined and a crumbly mixture forms.
Pat half of the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the chopped chocolate, one container of the mini M&M’s, and the chopped pecans over the baked crust. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over all these toppings.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer, trying to cover it completely. Sprinkle with the remaining container of mini M&M’s on top of the crumble. Return the pan to the oven and continue to bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the caramel is bubbling. Remove from oven. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Notes
While these cookie bars are incredibly delicious on their own, serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an even more indulgent dessert experience. The contrast of warm, gooey bar and cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible!
For the caramel layer, I personally love and recommend Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Sauce for its excellent flavor and consistency. However, feel free to use your preferred brand of jarred caramel, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can certainly make a homemade caramel sauce for an extra special touch.