How to Make Delicious Vegan Carmelitas – Easy Recipe

Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you know that there’s nothing better than a homemade treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s one of my absolute favorites: vegan Caramelitas. If you’ve never had them before, think of them as gooey, caramel-filled bars with a hearty oat base—basically, everything you could ever want in a dessert.

When I first tried making vegan Carmelitas, I was looking for something that would satisfy my sweet tooth without all the dairy and other animal products. I wanted a treat that everyone, whether vegan or not, could enjoy. And trust me, after baking a batch of these, I was hooked! The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make.

In this post, I’ll explain how I make these bars step-by-step and share a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting into vegan desserts, you’ll find this recipe simple and delicious.

What Are Vegan Carmelitas?

So, let’s start with the basics: What exactly are vegan Carmelitas?

They’re a delicious treat made from a base of rolled oats, vegan Butter, and a gooey caramel center. Because we’re going vegan, we swap out the traditional dairy butter and caramel for plant-based versions that are just as rich and sweet—without any animal products.

Key Ingredients in Vegan Carmelitas

I love this recipe because it uses just a few ingredients, but they come together so perfectly to create something truly magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oats are the foundation of these bars. I always use rolled oats because they give the perfect chewy texture.
• Vegan Butter makes the oat crust rich and slightly crispy. I use a good vegan butter, but if I’m feeling lazy, I’ll use coconut oil.
• Brown Sugar is the key to the bars’ rich flavor. It gives them a lovely, caramel-like sweetness.
• Vegan Caramel: Of course, the caramel layer is what makes these bars stand out! You can either buy pre-made vegan caramel sauce or make your own with coconut milk and sugar.

Now, if you’re like me and you love a little extra touch, you can add some chocolate chips or pecans to elevate the flavor.

Ingredients for Vegan Carmelitas – What You Need

Let’s discuss what you’ll need to make these gooey bars. Don’t worry; I promise this won’t be complicated.

Oats and Brown Sugar

At the heart of this recipe are the rolled oats, which take center stage. They give the bars that perfect chewiness that makes each bite so satisfying. Brown sugar helps create that caramel flavor we all crave. I prefer organic brown sugar, but if you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, coconut sugar works well, too.

Vegan Butter

I used to wonder if vegan baking would work without dairy butter, but I was pleasantly surprised! Vegan Butter gives the Carmelitas that rich, buttery flavor we all love. If you don’t have any on hand, you can also use coconut oil. It’ll still create that rich texture, and you might even get a slight coconut flavor, which is super friendly.

Vegan Caramel

The vegan caramel layer is what makes these bars truly special. You can either make your own (it’s surprisingly easy) or buy a jar of vegan caramel sauce from the store. I’ll be honest: I often take shortcuts and buy them because they’re convenient and taste amazing.

Optional Add-ins

Here’s your chance to let your creativity shine! I love adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to my Carmelitas. It gives them that extra something, whether it’s the richness of chocolate or the crunch of pecans.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Vegan Carmelitas

Okay, now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: making the Carmelitas!

Step 1: Prepare the Oat Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set up a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with a sheet of parchment paper. Trust me, this will make your life so much easier when it’s time to remove the bars.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Melt 1/2 cup of vegan Butter (or coconut oil) and stir it into the dry mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and give it one last mix.
3. The mixture should be crumbly but also hold together when pressed. This is your oat base, and it will form the bottom and top layers.

Once it’s all mixed, press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it’s even and well-packed.

Step 2: Add the Vegan Caramel Layer

Next, spread your vegan caramel evenly over the oat base. If you’re using store-bought caramel, pour it straight from the jar. If you’ve made your own, make sure it’s still a little warm so it spreads quickly.

• Tip: If you’re feeling a little indulgent, sprinkle some vegan chocolate chips on top of the caramel before adding the next layer.

Step 3: Top with Oats

Now, take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the caramel, making sure the caramel is mostly covered. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you want that nice crumbly texture on top.

• Optional: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the oats before baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The smell while these are baking? Oh my goodness, it’s like a caramel oat dream.

• Pro tip: Watch the bars closely while they bake. They’ll be done when the edges start to pull away from the pan, and the top is golden.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

This is the hardest part—waiting for the Carmelitas to cool! But trust me, it’s worth it. Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before slicing them into squares.

• Tip: If you want clean cuts, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps them set, and you’ll get lovely, neat pieces.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Carmelitas

Even though these bars are super simple to make, I’ve learned a few things along the way that make all the difference.

Ensure a Gooey Caramel

The caramel is the heart of these bars, so you’ll want it to be friendly and gooey. If you use pre-made vegan caramel, make sure it’s not too thick—warm it up a little if needed. You want it to spread smoothly without hardening too much during baking.

How to Make Them Gluten-Free

If you need to make these gluten-free, swap in certified gluten-free oats. That’s all it takes! Since the remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free, you can enjoy without any concerns.

Vegan Chocolate Chips

I love adding vegan chocolate chips to my Carmelitas because they make the bars extra decadent. I always go for a high-quality brand (look for ones made with fair trade cacao) to enhance the flavor.

Storing Carmelitas

Store these bad boys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer (or enjoy them firmer), pop them in the fridge.

Variations and Customization for Your Vegan Carmelitas

Here’s the fun part—getting creative! You can personalize these Carmelitas to make them your own.

Add Nuts or Dried Fruit

Throw in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even some dried cranberries for a different texture and flavor. I love the crunch of nuts, but cranberries add a lovely tartness that pairs beautifully with the caramel.

Flavor Boosts

Want to add a little extra flavor? A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract will give your Carmelitas a cozy, spiced flavor. I sometimes add a bit of cinnamon to the oat base, and it’s incredible.

Make Them Healthier

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, try swapping out brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup. You can even use almond flour instead of regular flour to make them gluten-free and lower in carbs.

Personalize the Topping

You can switch up the topping with shredded coconut or even drizzle some extra vegan caramel on top. The possibilities are endless!

FAQ Section About Vegan Carmelitas

Can I make vegan Carmelitas gluten-free? Yes! To make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities, use certified gluten-free oats.

How long will vegan Carmelitas last? They can stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I make my vegan caramel? Yes, it’s easy! You can use coconut milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to create a soft, gooey caramel sauce.

Are there any nut-free options for vegan Carmelitas? Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds to keep the recipe nut-free.

Conclusion For Vegan Carmelitas

I can’t tell you enough how much I love these vegan Carmelitas. They’re my go-to dessert when I’m craving something sweet and indulgent but want to keep things plant-based. Whether I’m baking them for a party or just because I have a sweet tooth, they never fail to hit the spot.

Give this recipe a go and share your thoughts with me! I’d love to hear how you customize them or add your twist. If you try them out, don’t forget to tag me on social media—I love seeing your creations!