Oatmeal Carmelitas: A Decadent Treat with a Healthy Twist
Oatmeal Carmelitas. Just the name conjures images of warm, gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a comforting oat base. This delectable dessert is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a cozy night in. But what if I told you that you could enjoy this indulgence with a slightly healthier twist? This recipe maintains the classic Carmelita flavors while incorporating the goodness of oats, making it a treat you can feel a little less guilty about enjoying.
This blog post will guide you through creating the perfect Oatmeal Carmelitas, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving that irresistible caramel pull. We’ll explore variations, troubleshooting tips, and serving suggestions to ensure your Carmelitas are a guaranteed hit. So, grab your mixing bowls and preheat your oven – it’s time to bake some magic!
What are Oatmeal Carmelitas?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s define what we’re making. Oatmeal Carmelitas are layered bars consisting of a buttery oat crust, a generous layer of caramel, a sprinkling of chocolate chips (or chunks!), and another layer of oat crumble on top. The beauty of this dessert lies in the interplay of textures: the chewy oat base, the smooth caramel, and the melty chocolate all combine to create a symphony of deliciousness. They are similar to scotcheroos but differ by the oat-based layers and the caramel filling. The addition of chocolate chips provides a rich depth of flavor, contrasting the sweet oat base.
Why Choose Oatmeal Carmelitas?
Beyond their irresistible flavor, Oatmeal Carmelitas offer several advantages:
* **They’re relatively easy to make:** The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills.
* **They’re customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different nuts, spices, or types of chocolate.
* **They’re portable:** Carmelitas are perfect for transporting to parties or picnics, as they hold their shape well.
* **They offer a healthier twist (compared to some desserts):** The inclusion of oats adds fiber and nutrients, making them a slightly more wholesome option.
* **They’re always a crowd-pleaser:** Seriously, who can resist a warm, gooey caramel bar topped with chocolate?
The Ultimate Oatmeal Carmelitas Recipe
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the recipe! This version strikes a perfect balance between classic flavors and a slightly healthier profile.
**Yields:** Approximately 16 bars
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Oat Crust and Crumble:**
* 1 ½ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ cups (135g) quick-cooking oats (not instant)
* 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Caramel Filling:**
* 1 (14 ounce) package (397g) caramels, unwrapped
* ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Chocolate Layer:**
* 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk or fork
* Rubber spatula
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
**Instructions:**
**Get Started:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
**Prepare the Oat Crust and Crumble:**
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a crumbly mixture forms. It should resemble wet sand.
4. Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly pack it down.
**Make the Caramel Filling:**
5. In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream (or milk). Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This may take 5-7 minutes. Be patient and don’t let the caramel burn.
6. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
**Assemble the Carmelitas:**
7. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the oat crust in the baking pan.
8. Sprinkle the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) evenly over the caramel layer.
9. Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate chips. Gently press the crumble into the chocolate.
**Bake and Cool:**
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly around the edges.
11. Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the Carmelitas cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This is important for the caramel to set properly. Cooling them in the refrigerator can speed up the process, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best caramel consistency.
12. Once cooled, lift the Carmelitas out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if used). Cut into bars and serve.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Carmelitas
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry and crumbly crust. Keep a close eye on the bars and remove them from the oven when the top is golden brown.
* **Use quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your Carmelitas. Opt for good quality chocolate and caramels.
* **Melt the caramel slowly:** Melting the caramel over low heat will prevent it from burning or becoming grainy. Stir constantly to ensure even melting.
* **Let them cool completely:** This is crucial for the caramel to set properly. Resist the urge to cut into them while they’re still warm!
* **Adjust sweetness to your preference:** If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the oat mixture.
* **Use parchment paper:** Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and prevents them from sticking.
* **Salted Caramel Variation:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate chips for a salted caramel twist.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of Oatmeal Carmelitas is that they’re incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize them to your liking:
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the oat mixture or sprinkle them on top of the caramel layer.
* **Spices:** Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the oat mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Chocolate:** Use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate. You can also use chopped chocolate bars for a richer flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the oat mixture for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
* **Espresso Powder:** Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the caramel for a mocha-inspired flavor.
* **Peanut Butter:** Swirl peanut butter into the caramel layer for a peanut butter caramel combination.
* **Coconut:** Add shredded coconut to the oat mixture or sprinkle it on top of the chocolate chips.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the oat crust and crumble.
Troubleshooting
* **Carmelitas are too dry:** This is usually caused by overbaking. Make sure to remove the bars from the oven when the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly. You can also add a tablespoon or two of milk to the oat mixture to make it more moist.
* **Caramel is too hard:** This can happen if the caramel is overcooked or if not enough heavy cream (or milk) is added. Make sure to melt the caramel over low heat and stir constantly. If the caramel is still too hard, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream (or milk) and stir until smooth.
* **Bars are falling apart:** This is usually caused by cutting into the bars before they have cooled completely. Make sure to let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into them.
* **Crust is too crumbly:** Make sure you are pressing the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. If it’s still too crumbly add a tablespoon or two of melted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Oatmeal Carmelitas are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:
* **Warm:** Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
* **Dessert Platter:** Include them on a dessert platter with other sweet treats for a variety of flavors and textures.
* **Gift Giving:** Package them in a pretty box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Party Favor:** Individually wrap them as party favors for a sweet ending to any celebration.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store Oatmeal Carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best caramel consistency.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze Oatmeal Carmelitas for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per bar)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Oatmeal Carmelitas are a truly delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of oats, caramel, and chocolate. With this recipe and the helpful tips, variations, and troubleshooting advice, you’ll be able to create perfect Carmelitas every time. So go ahead, indulge in this decadent treat and share it with your friends and family. They’ll thank you for it!
Happy Baking!