Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas – Experience the flavor of our Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas, a harmonious blend of luscious caramel, chocolate chips and crunchy pecans nestled within a tender oatmeal crust. This delightful dessert, featuring a caramel sauce and semi-sweet chocolate is sure to please any gathering.
I can still vividly recall the first time I baked these Carmelitas. It was a rainy afternoon that was just perfect, for some baking. As the enticing aroma filled our home my husband couldn’t resist sneaking a peek into the kitchen and our little ones’ eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of these brown treats. Their first bite was met with an explosion of flavors and since then it has become a favorite among our family members. Whether it’s for an occasion or simply as an indulgence for ourselves these Carmelitas never fail to impress.
What makes this Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas truly special?
The Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas are truly a treat for those who appreciate the versatility and array of textures in desserts. These delights offer flexibility; they can be enjoyed as chewy bars from the fridge or as soft delicacies, at room temperature according to personal preferences. The combination of a crispy yet buttery oat crust layered with velvety caramel that oozes out alongside chocolate chips and toasted pecans adds up to a symphony of textures that will leave you craving more. This sweet treat isn’t just delicious. It also brings everyone together making it an ideal option, for family get-togethers, celebrations or a comforting homemade indulgence.
What You Need To Make This Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas Recipe?
Melted Butter: It forms the foundation of our Carmelitas acting like a comforting embrace that brings all the ingredients together. Its richness gives the base a texture and adds a subtle creamy backdrop to the oats.
Packed Brown Sugar: This isn’t just any sugar; it’s, like a whisper of nostalgia. It adds depth of flavor with its caramel undertones transforming the crust into something you dream about at night.
Vanilla Extract: Consider this as the handshake among the ingredients. It may be an addition. It truly makes a world of difference by enhancing the flavors with its fragrant and sweet notes.
All Purpose Flour: Our companion that holds everything together. It acts as the canvas on which we create our masterpiece providing structure and balance to the base.
Rolled Oats: These oats are truly at the heart of our Carmelitas. They bring an earthy texture that beautifully contrasts with the caramel resulting in a delightful interplay of textures in every bite.
Baking Soda & Table Salt: These two minor components play roles much like the rhythm section, in a band. Baking soda gives a lift to our creation while salt acts as a hero sharpening all the flavors involved.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Savor the surprise of semi-sweet chocolate chips nestled in the middle of a challenging day. As they melt they create a pool of chocolaty joy adding a layer of indulgence that will leave these bars etched in your memory.
Chopped, Toasted Pecans: Experience the symphony of flavor as you bite into chopped and toasted pecans. They bring a crunch that amplifies the taste taking it to heights. These pecans are not toppings; they are the applause that accompanies every bite.
Caramel Sauce: Behold the caramel sauce, the crowning glory of this masterpiece. It gracefully cascades over each layer permeating every nook and cranny with its sticky sweetness. It binds everything together in an embrace that ignites a chorus of delight, in your heart.
Steps To Make Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch baking pan by lining it with heavy-duty aluminum foil and give it a spray of stick spray.
Step 2: In a bowl whisk together the butter, brown sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar is fully blended in.
Step 3: Add the flour, oats, baking soda and salt to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Take half of this mixture. Press it evenly into the pan to create a flat base. Bake, for 12 minutes. Until the edges turn a golden color.
Step 5: Now comes the exciting part! Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the base then drizzle that delicious caramel sauce all over.
Step 6: Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top ensuring that you cover much of the caramel as possible.
Step 7: Bake, for 25 to 35 minutes until the edges achieve a golden brown color.
Step 8: Allow it to cool down before chilling in the refrigerator. Once firm, cut into squares and savor each bite!
Tip:
For the Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas it’s important to exercise patience. Once you finish baking them allow them to cool down completely at room temperature. The real magic begins once they are placed in the refrigerator. It’s best to chill them for a few hours or even overnight until they become cold and firm. This step is crucial as it helps the caramel to set and allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly. When you eventually cut them into squares after chilling you’ll notice that they retain their shape beautifully with each layer. From the oat base, to the gooey caramel center. Standing out. Furthermore this chilling process intensifies the flavors resulting in a combination of textures and tastes, with every bite. Therefore it’s worth resisting the temptation to indulge soon; all good things come to those who wait!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Sure you can definitely use a type of chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you prefer a sweeter taste go for milk chocolate. For an intense flavor opt, for dark chocolate. If you want to add some contrast white chocolate works well too.
How should I store the Carmelitas and how long will they keep?
When it comes to storing the Carmelitas it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to a week. Alternatively you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before serving.
I’m allergic to nuts. Can I make this recipe without pecans?
Not being able to eat nuts is not an issue! You can easily make this recipe without pecans. If you still want that crunch factor consider using seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower as an alternative. Of course if you prefer no crunch at all simply leave them out altogether.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Salted Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas
Ingredients
- ⅔ c butter melted (5.5 ounces, 156 grams)
- ¾ c packed brown sugar 6.4 ounces, 181 grams
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 c flour 5 ounces, 143 grams
- 1 c rolled oats 2.8 ounces, 80 grams
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips 6 ounces, 170 grams
- ½ c chopped toasted pecans (2 ounces, 58 grams)
- 15 ounces 425 grams caramel sauce
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8-inch baking pan, with aluminum foil. Lightly coat it with stick spray.
- In a bowl whisk together the butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda and salt into the mixture until blended.
- Press half of this mixture onto the bottom of your pan.
- Bake the base for 12 minutes until the edges turn a golden color.
- Out of the oven sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the base. Then evenly drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the edges become brown.
- Let it cool down to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator until firm.
- Once chilled and firm cut into squares and serve. Enjoy them from the fridge for a chewy texture. Let them warm up to room temperature for a softer caramel consistency.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container, in the refrigerator.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
