Carmelita Bars
Carmelita Bars combine chewy cookie crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, creating a decadent treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Slice the cookie dough into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Place the cookie slices into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch pan, molding slightly to fit.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until done.
- While baking, melt the vanilla caramels with milk over low heat until smooth.
- Remove from oven and immediately pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked cookie crust.
- Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans on top of the caramel layer.
- Let cool slightly before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. To avoid sticky hands, lightly oil your fingers when handling the caramel. Make sure to check the cookie crust closely as baking times can vary based on your oven. For a fun twist, try adding a layer of crushed cookies or nuts for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Carmelita Bars are perfect for gatherings and pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also go well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. Consider serving them alongside Apple Slices With Caramel Sauce for a themed dessert spread. These bars can be cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing at parties or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Carmelita Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften the caramel without melting the chocolate completely. This keeps them deliciously gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carmelita Bars contains roughly 1399 calories, with 17g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cookie dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various cookie doughs like sugar cookie or oatmeal raisin for different flavors. Just ensure the dough is similar in consistency to the chocolate chip dough to achieve the right texture in your bars.
What can I do if my caramel mixture is too thick?
If your caramel mixture is too thick, try adding a little more milk and gently reheating it over low heat while stirring until it reaches a smoother consistency. This will help it spread evenly over the cookie crust.
Can these bars be frozen for later?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or heat them gently in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).