Description
This easy Carmelitas recipe offers chewy, caramel-filled bars layered with chocolate chips and old-fashioned oats. Combining rich caramel, gooey chocolate, and hearty oats, Carmelitas deliver a perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and melty textures. Ideal for snacking, sharing, or gifting, this simple plant-based recipe is loved by all ages and customizable to your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup soft brown sugar (natural)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, melted
- 1 can (about 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 3/4 cup plant-based chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oat Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and soft brown sugar (natural). Stir in melted plant-based butter until the mixture resembles moist crumbs. Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a sturdy base.
- Create the Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the sweetened condensed milk (plant-based) with vanilla extract (natural), stirring occasionally until warm. Pour this mixture evenly over the oat base layer in the pan, spreading it carefully with a spatula to create the caramel layer.
- Add the Chocolate and Remaining Crust: Sprinkle the plant-based chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate chips, creating a textured topping.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Press the oat mixture firmly and evenly for better structure and topping texture.
- Heat the sweetened condensed milk gently to avoid scorching or separating.
- Allow Carmelitas to cool fully to prevent them from falling apart when sliced.
- Use high-quality plant-based chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- Cut with a sharp knife for clean bar shapes without crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Carmelitas, caramel bars, plant-based dessert, oat bars, chocolate caramel bars, vegan sweets