Carmelita Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s both chewy and gooey with rich layers of chocolate and caramel, this Carmelita Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a buttery cookie crust baked to golden perfection, a luscious caramel layer draped over it, and then topped with more cookie dough that crisps just right. These bars bring the nostalgic comfort of a classic caramel chocolate combination with an easy-to-follow recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re sharing at a family gathering or sneaking one for yourself, Carmelita Bars are bound to become a new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple pantry staples is all it takes to make these irresistible Carmelita Bars Recipe come to life. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the butter creating that tender crumb, to the chocolate chips for melty pockets of sweetness, and the caramel that adds that signature gooey texture.

• Butter (12 tablespoons, softened): This rich fat forms the base of your cookie dough, making it tender and flavorful.
• White sugar (1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons): Adds crispness and balances the caramel’s sweetness.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor to deepen the bars’ taste.
• Egg + 1 egg yolk: Binds the dough and enriches the texture.
• Vanilla (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
• Flour (2 1/4 cups, spooned and leveled): The structure of your cookie layers starts here.
• Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise slightly, keeping it tender.
• Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The melty chocolate pockets that make Carmelita bars so addictive.
• Caramels (1 11-oz package or caramel bits): The luscious star of the show, melted over the cookie base.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/3 cup): Works with the caramels to create that deeply creamy, gooey middle layer.

How to Make Carmelita Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

First things first, you have two options here. You can grab a package of refrigerated cookie dough for convenience or whip up your own from scratch using the ingredients above. You definitely don’t need to do both!

Step 2: Mix Your Homemade Dough

If you decide to make your own dough, start by beating the softened butter until fluffy. Add both white and brown sugars and keep beating until light and airy. Now mix in the whole egg, plus the extra yolk, and vanilla extract for that hint of warmth. Slowly add the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring just until almost combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips gently to ensure melty goodness throughout.

Step 3: Get Your Oven Ready

Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13-inch pan with foil or parchment paper. Spray the lining lightly with nonstick spray so your bars come out easily after baking.

Step 4: Press in Your Cookie Dough Base

Divide your dough into two halves. Take one half and use your hands to press it evenly and thinly across the bottom of your pan—it might feel a bit fragile, but that’s okay! This will bake into the chewy cookie foundation for your Carmelita Bars Recipe.

Step 5: Bake the Base Layer

Bake the dough in the oven for about 10 minutes or until you notice the edges turning golden. Keep the oven on for the next steps to come.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Layer

While the base is baking, combine the caramel pieces and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until mostly smooth with just a few stubborn lumps. Don’t overheat or burn the caramel—you want it perfectly melty and luscious.

Step 7: Spread the Gooey Caramel

Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over your baked cookie base. Use a spatula to spread it carefully so every corner is decadently coated.

Step 8: Add the Top Cookie Layer

If you’re working with pre-made dough, slice the remaining dough into strips or chunks and place them over the caramel, pinching them together so it forms a mostly solid top layer. For homemade dough, flatten small pieces as thin as you can and place them gently on top of the caramel, trying to cover it as completely as possible without worrying about every tiny peek of caramel that shows through.

Step 9: Final Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes more. When the top layer is golden brown and the center no longer jiggles, your Carmelita Bars are ready to come out and cool.

Step 10: Let Them Cool

Be patient here! Cooling completely helps the caramel set and makes cutting much neater. If you can’t resist, you’ll get a messy but totally divine caramel overflow, which is a guilty pleasure of its own.

How to Serve Carmelita Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Carmelita Bars, try sprinkling flaky sea salt over the top just after baking to add a lovely contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate. For an extra festive touch, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to boost that creamy experience. A hot cup of coffee or warm chai adds warmth and balances out the bars’ decadent sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Carmelita Bars Recipe into perfect squares for a classic approach, or go rustic by slicing them into uneven rustic pieces for an inviting, homemade look. For parties, arrange them on a decorative platter lined with parchment and garnish with fresh berries to brighten presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Carmelita Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a smart choice, especially in warmer climates, as it keeps the caramel firm and prevents melting.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy sweetness whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds. This softens the caramel and chocolate, reviving that freshly baked experience. Just be cautious not to overheat and make the caramel too runny.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this Carmelita Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that different chocolates will slightly change the sweetness and flavor intensity.

What’s the best way to melt the caramels without burning them?

Heating in short, 30-second intervals in the microwave and stirring well between each burst is the safest method. This helps you avoid overheating and gives you control over the caramel’s consistency.

Can I substitute caramel bits for the caramel pieces?

Yes, caramel bits are a great shortcut and work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to melt them gently with the sweetened condensed milk for that perfect gooey layer.

Is it necessary to let the Carmelita Bars cool completely before cutting?

While impatience is understandable, letting the bars cool fully ensures the caramel sets properly, making slicing much cleaner and less messy.

How long do Carmelita Bars stay fresh once baked?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay delicious up to 3 days. Refrigerating can extend freshness up to a week, and freezing keeps them good for about 2 months.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about the combination of buttery cookie dough, melty chocolate, and rich caramel, and this Carmelita Bars Recipe captures that magic beautifully. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress or simply treat yourself. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and discover how quickly these bars become a beloved staple in your sweet repertoire!

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