Irresistible Vegan Carmelitas: Chewy Caramel, Oat & Chocolate Chip Bars
Chewy, gooey, and loaded with luscious caramel, hearty oats, and rich chocolate chips, these vegan carmelitas are incredibly easy to make and utterly impossible to resist! Dive into a plant-based dessert experience that satisfies every sweet craving.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting carmelitas before, prepare yourself for an absolutely delightful experience! These classic dessert bars are a symphony of textures and flavors, and this vegan rendition ensures everyone can enjoy their magic.
These incredibly gooey and satisfying bars are a harmonious blend of sweet, buttery caramel, rich chocolate chips, and a perfectly chewy oat crust. Not only are they an incredibly easy recipe to whip up, but they are also universally loved. Seriously, who could say no to such a perfect combination?
While I adore a decadent vegan chocolate cake for a sit-down dessert, carmelitas offer a different kind of joy, much like a fudgy brownie. They’re a convenient, handheld treat that doesn’t require a plate or fork, making them the ultimate grab-and-go dessert. This makes them perfectly suited for a myriad of occasions, from lively potlucks and bake sales to packed school lunches, road trips, or simply an easy sweet fix anytime hunger strikes. Their portability and satisfying nature make them a crowd-pleaser for any event.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Carmelitas Recipe
There are countless reasons why these vegan carmelitas deserve a prime spot on your baking list. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience:
- Truly Vegan & Plant-Based Perfection. Traditional caramel often contains dairy, making it a challenging ingredient for those following a plant-based diet. This recipe triumphantly solves that dilemma by utilizing delicious vegan caramel. Now, you can indulge in all the gooey, buttery caramel goodness without any compromise, making these bars a true game-changer for vegan dessert lovers!
- Unforgettably Delicious Flavor. The taste profile of these carmelitas is simply divine. Imagine the perfect trifecta: the rich, deep sweetness of buttery caramel, combined with the satisfying chewiness of wholesome oats, all perfectly complemented by decadent bittersweet chocolate. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make. Don’t let their impressive appearance fool you – these bars are surprisingly simple to prepare. The hands-on prep time is minimal, requiring just a few minutes to mix the ingredients together. Once assembled, they simply need to bake in the oven. Honestly, the most challenging part of the entire process is patiently waiting for them to cool down and set before you can finally sink your teeth into them!
- Excellent Make-Ahead Treat. When you need a dessert that can be prepared in advance, whether for a party, a busy week, or just to have on hand, these carmelitas are an absolute dream. They hold up beautifully, meaning you can bake them, let them cool, and store them until you’re ready to serve. This convenience makes them ideal for any occasion, allowing you to enjoy your event without last-minute baking stress.
Essential Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For precise quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card located further down this page.
- Vegan Caramels – The star of the show! You’ll need soft and chewy vegan caramels for that perfect gooey center. These are crucial for achieving the authentic carmelita texture and flavor without any dairy.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk – This is key for creating a rich, creamy caramel sauce. Ensure you use canned full-fat coconut milk, not the thinner, refrigerated carton variety, as the fat content is essential for consistency and flavor.
- Vegan Butter – Whether you opt for your favorite store-bought brand or even a homemade vegan butter, this provides the essential buttery flavor and texture for the oat crust.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture to the oat mixture, contributing to the overall chewiness and richness.
- All-Purpose Flour – The structural base for our delicious oat crust, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Absolutely vital for the signature chewy texture of carmelitas. Please avoid quick-cooking or steel-cut oats, as they will not yield the desired consistency. Old-fashioned oats provide the perfect bite.
- Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps the oat crust achieve a slightly tender crumb.
- Salt – A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, enhancing all the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of good quality vanilla extract significantly boosts the overall caramel flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note to the bars.
- Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – Make sure to choose a brand that is certified vegan. The bittersweet variety beautifully complements the sweetness of the caramel, creating a balanced and rich dessert.
Finding Vegan Caramels: Your Go-To Options
Locating vegan caramels might seem tricky, but they are becoming increasingly accessible! For this particular recipe, I highly recommend using Cocomels. These delightful coconut milk caramels melt beautifully and offer a fantastic flavor that perfectly suits these bars. You can typically find Cocomels at most natural food stores, specialty grocery stores, or conveniently order them online through various retailers.
While I haven’t personally tested every other brand of vegan caramel in this specific recipe, the general rule of thumb is that as long as they are soft, chewy, and melt smoothly, they should work wonderfully. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are indeed dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Some other brands might pop up in larger supermarkets or health food sections, so keep an eye out!
How to Craft Your Perfect Vegan Carmelitas
Making these vegan carmelitas is an absolute breeze! Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable dessert:
Step 1: Get Ready. Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350ºF (175ºC). Next, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it completely with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling will make it incredibly easy to lift the finished bars out of the pan later.
Step 2: Craft the Caramel Mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine your chosen vegan caramels and the full-fat coconut milk. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a whisk or silicone spatula. Keep stirring until the caramels have completely melted and the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth, glossy caramel sauce. Be patient and don’t rush this step to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Prepare the Oat Mixture. In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and resemble a crumbly, moist dough. This will form both the base and the crumble topping for your carmelitas.
Step 4: Bake the Base. Take half of your prepared oat mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of the parchment-lined baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your clean hands to create an even, compact layer. This firm pressing is crucial for a stable crust. Bake this base in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden around the edges.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers. After the initial bake, remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the bittersweet chocolate chips over the warm, partially baked oat crust. Next, carefully pour the smooth, warm caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, spreading it gently to cover the entire layer. Finally, crumble the remaining half of the oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Don’t press it down; simply sprinkle it for a delightful streusel-like topping.
Step 6: Final Bake. Return the assembled pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top oat crumble is lightly golden brown and the caramel underneath is visibly bubbly. This indicates it’s cooked through and wonderfully gooey.
Step 7: The Waiting Game (Cooling). This is perhaps the hardest part, but it’s absolutely crucial for perfectly structured carmelitas. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. Ideally, let them cool overnight at room temperature to allow the caramel to fully set. If you’re short on time, you can refrigerate them for a few hours to speed up the cooling process, but ensure they are thoroughly chilled before cutting.
Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Carmelitas Every Time
To ensure your vegan carmelitas turn out absolutely perfect, chewy, and easy to handle, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Press the Base Firmly. When you’re pressing the first half of the oat mixture into the pan to form the base, it’s essential to apply firm, even pressure. This step is critical because a well-compacted base will prevent your carmelitas from crumbling apart when you try to slice and serve them. A sturdy base ensures each bar holds its shape beautifully.
- Lift Before You Slice. For the cleanest cuts, once the carmelitas have cooled completely (ideally chilled overnight), use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a sturdy cutting board. Then, use a large, sharp chef’s knife to make firm, swift cuts. For perfectly uniform bars, you can even use a ruler to mark your cutting lines before you start.
- Ensure the Caramel is Fully Set. Patience is a virtue, especially with carmelitas! If the caramel layer is still warm and gooey when you attempt to cut the bars, you’ll end up with a sticky, messy situation. A fully set caramel will yield clean, defined slices. As mentioned, cooling overnight at room temperature is best, but refrigerating for a few hours can accelerate the setting process. For extra clean slices, you can even run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts – this helps glide through the sticky caramel.
- Don’t Overbake. Keep a close eye on your carmelitas during the final bake. You want the topping to be lightly golden, and the caramel just bubbly. Overbaking can lead to a harder, less gooey caramel, losing some of that irresistible chewiness.
- Room Temperature for Best Texture. While chilling helps them set for slicing, allowing the carmelitas to come to room temperature before eating them really enhances their chewy, gooey texture. The caramel will be perfectly soft and melty.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Carmelitas
While these vegan carmelitas are absolutely perfect as is, they also lend themselves beautifully to endless variations. Feel free to get creative and customize them to your taste! Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Add Chopped Nuts for Crunch. For an extra layer of texture and rich, nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts are classic choices that pair exceptionally well with caramel and chocolate. You can fold them into the oat crust mixture, sprinkle them over the caramel layer before the top crumble, or even toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor even further. Almonds or cashews would also be delicious additions.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes for a Tropical Twist. If you love the tropical aroma and chewy texture of coconut, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the gooey caramel layer before adding the final oat topping. The subtle sweetness and slight chew of the coconut will add a fantastic dimension to these bars.
- White Chocolate Chips for a Sweeter Profile. For those who prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate experience, swap out the bittersweet chocolate chips for vegan white chocolate chips. This will create a different flavor dynamic, leaning into a more intensely sweet and milky profile that’s equally delicious.
- A Pinch of Sea Salt. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top of the finished (and cooled) carmelitas can elevate all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness with a delightful salty counterpoint. This creates a popular “salted caramel” effect.
- Spice It Up! Add a touch of cinnamon or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the oat crust mixture for a warm, aromatic twist, especially perfect during the fall season.
- Dried Fruit Infusion. For a fruity note, try adding finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries to the oat mixture or sprinkled over the chocolate layer. The tartness can provide a lovely contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Storing Your Vegan Carmelitas for Freshness
Proper storage ensures your delicious vegan carmelitas remain fresh and irresistible for days. Once completely cooled and sliced, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their optimal chewy and gooey texture for about 4 to 5 days this way. If you prefer to extend their shelf life a bit longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for a few extra days. However, when stored in the fridge, the caramel and oat crust will firm up. For the best eating experience, allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying them, as this will restore their delightful chewiness.
Can I Freeze Vegan Carmelitas? Absolutely!
Yes, these vegan carmelitas are wonderfully freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving some for a rainy day treat. To freeze them, simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars into an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen carmelita, just remove a bar from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. They will taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked!
Discover More Delicious Vegan Sweets and Treats
If you loved these vegan carmelitas, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic plant-based dessert recipes. Expand your vegan baking repertoire with these mouth-watering options:
- Indulgent Vegan Carrot Cupcakes: Moist, spiced, and topped with creamy vegan frosting.
- Crispy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: Quick, easy, and perfectly golden-brown cookies.
- Delightful Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Soft, chewy, and ideal for decorating.
- Rich Vegan Peanut Butter Cake: A dreamy, decadent cake for peanut butter lovers.
- Buttery Vegan Spritz Cookies: Elegant and melt-in-your-mouth, perfect for holidays.
Enjoy, friends! We truly hope you love these incredible vegan carmelitas as much as we do. If you bake this recipe, please share your creations! Snap a beautiful photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your delicious photos inspire us! We would also be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave a comment below and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is invaluable. Thank you so much for your support!
Carmelitas
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces vegan caramels, I used this one https://cocomels.com/products/original-cocomels-3-5-oz
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk, from the can (280g)
- ¾ cup melted vegan butter, 1 1/2 stick, 170g
- ¾ cup brown sugar, 150g
- 1 cup flour, 125g
- 1 ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 135g
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips (170g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Combine caramels and coconut milk in a medium saucepan, heat over medium-low heat. Stirring continuously until the caramels melt and the mixture gets smooth.
- Combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add half of the mixture to the lined pan and press with a spoon to make an even layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the bottom crust from the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top of the hot crust.
- Pour caramel sauce over the chocolate.
- Crumble the rest of the crust mixture over the caramel.
- Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and bubbles slightly.
- Allow the carmelitas to completely cool and caramel to set up before slicing. It’s best to leave them overnight at room temperature. You can put it in the fridge to speed the cooling process.
Notes
To freeze: Wrap carmelita bars in plastic wrap and put them into an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, let the bars thaw at room temperature.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.