Carmelitas

Chewy, gooey, and irresistibly rich, these Vegan Carmelitas are layered with oats, bittersweet chocolate, and a luscious coconut milk caramel that melts into every bite. Baked to golden perfection, they make an indulgent treat that’s completely dairy-free but full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These carmelitas are easy to make yet incredibly satisfying, offering the perfect contrast of soft, chewy texture and rich, gooey filling. They’re completely plant-based, using vegan caramels and coconut milk for a silky-smooth caramel sauce. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing dessert or a personal indulgence, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vegan caramels

• Full-fat coconut milk (from a can)

• Melted vegan butter

• Brown sugar

• All-purpose flour

• Old-fashioned rolled oats

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Vanilla extract

• Bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the vegan caramels and coconut milk. Stir continuously until the caramels are melted and the sauce is smooth.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together melted vegan butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan to form an even bottom layer.

5. Bake for 10 minutes.

6. Remove the pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot crust.

7. Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.

8. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the caramel, leaving some gaps to allow caramel to bubble through.

9. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

10. Let cool completely at room temperature until the caramel sets—preferably overnight. For quicker cooling, refrigerate the bars before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the top layer for a crunchy contrast.

• Use different chocolate chips such as dark, semisweet, or even vegan white chocolate for variety.

• Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.

• Add a layer of nut butter between the chocolate and caramel for extra richness.

• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Storage/Reheating

Store carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
To extend shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

FAQs

Can I make these carmelitas gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

What kind of vegan caramels work best?

Soft, chewy vegan caramels melt easily. Look for brands like Cocomels that are specifically made for melting and baking.

Can I substitute the coconut milk?

Full-fat canned coconut milk works best for the caramel texture, but you could try another rich non-dairy milk like cashew cream in a pinch.

Why is my caramel not setting?

Make sure you let the bars cool completely—ideally overnight—so the caramel has time to firm up. Refrigeration helps speed this process.

Can I use margarine instead of vegan butter?

Yes, just make sure it’s a plant-based margarine that melts well and has a similar fat content to vegan butter.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For neat slices, chill the bars before cutting.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re actually better when made a day in advance to allow the caramel to fully set.

How sweet are these carmelitas?

They are sweet and rich, balanced by the bittersweet chocolate. You can reduce the chocolate or use dark chocolate for less sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking times slightly, adding a few more minutes as needed.

Will these melt if I leave them out?

They’re stable at room temperature once cooled, but in very warm conditions, the caramel may soften slightly. Store in a cool place for best results.

Conclusion

Vegan Carmelitas are the ultimate dessert bar—decadent, chewy, and packed with gooey caramel and melty chocolate. With simple ingredients and no animal products, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Make a batch today and enjoy the sweet, sticky goodness in every bite.

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