Nana Mabel S Carmelita Bars

Published 11/9/2024 My Nana Mabel has brought these carmelita bars to every family occasion I can remember, and they are always a hit at gatherings and potlucks. She would even carry on a Tupperware of perfectly stacked carmelitas and fly to family gatherings — they’re truly one of the most nostalgic desserts for me and my family ❤️ . Even though she has since passed away, you’ll never be at one of our family Thanksgivings, Christmases, birthdays — you name it — where someone has continued the tradition and brought a batch of carmelitas. The caramel tastes SO YUMMY with the crunchy oats and walnuts, and the chocolate chips just take it to a whole new level. Just mix the batter, bake, then add the chocolate-walnut-caramel layer, top with the leftover batter, and bake again until a gorgeous golden brown. Super simple and sweet, just like our Nana was!

What You Need to Make Nana Mabel’s Carmelita Bars

Quick-cooking oats: We prefer quick-cooking oats in this recipe for their smaller size and softer texture. Light brown sugar: This gives the bars their rich, caramely flavor. Salted butter: Make sure you use softened butter to make the batter smooth and easy to mix. Chopped walnuts: Use raw walnuts for the best texture and flavor. Semisweet chocolate chips: These add a touch of sweetness and an irresistible chocolatey layer to the bars. Caramel sauce: Ties everything together with its gooey sweetness. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. Electric mixer: This will help you mix the batter so everything is evenly incorporated.

Can I swap quick-cooking oats with old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can definitely substitute the oats, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Quick-cooking oats are thinner and more finely chopped, while old-fashioned oats are thicker and chewier. If you prefer a smoother and softer texture in your bars, then quick-cooking oats would be a better choice. Family Recipe Series

What kind of caramel sauce is best?

We used Ghiradelli caramel sauce, but any caramel sauce will do. You can also make your own caramel sauce at home if you prefer.

Storage

These carmelita bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.