How to Make the Best Vegan Carmelitas That Melt in Your Mouth

If you’re a caramel lover searching for a vegan dessert that’s both rich and comforting, you can’t miss these vegan carmelitas. Imagine chewy oatmeal bars layered with luscious vegan caramel and melty chocolate chips that deliver every bite with ooey gooey satisfaction.

Plus, they come together in under an hour and require just one bowl and simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, holiday, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars promise to impress with their perfect balance of texture and flavor. If you’re a fan of dessert bars, you’ll also love our easy vegan chocolate peanut butter bars.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With Vegan Carmelitas

These vegan caramelitas are a celebration of textures and flavors. The base is a lightly sweet crumbly oat and flour crust that holds just enough chewiness.

The star is the rich, two-ingredient vegan caramel sauce that oozes sticky sweetness through every bite, perfectly complemented by melty vegan chocolate chips for a deep cocoa note. Optional pecans add a satisfying crunch.

Plus, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels and comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.

Understanding the Ingredients and Simple Substitutions

• All-purpose flour provides structure but can be swapped with gluten-free 1:1 flour blends for gluten intolerances.
• Quick oats soften quickly and give chewiness; old-fashioned rolled oats can be used but will yield a slightly crisper texture.
• Brown sugar offers molasses flavor and moisture; coconut sugar is a good substitute but may darken color.
• Vegan butter adds richness and helps bind the crust; coconut oil can be used but may alter texture and flavor.
• Vegan caramel sauce: The recipe uses a coconut cream-based caramel, but you can substitute it with a nut butter caramel if coconut flavor isn’t your favorite.
• Vegan chocolate chips: Look for dairy-free options with minimal additives.
• Pecans are optional but provide a welcoming crunch—feel free to swap with walnuts or almonds.

Step-by-Step How to Make Vegan Carmelitas

1. Make the vegan caramel sauce ahead or use a store-bought vegan caramel; warming it slightly helps with pouring.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9″ square pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix dry ingredients (flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl.
4. Add melted vegan butter and stir until crumbly but moist.
5. Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the warm crust.
7. Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.
8. Top with the remaining crumb mixture to cover caramel.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling around the edges.
10. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours for firm, easy slicing.
11. Use parchment paper lifts to remove and slice carefully with a heavy knife.

Pro Tips to Bake Perfect Carmelitas Every Time

• Press the crust firmly to create a stable base; a dense bottom prevents crumbling.
• Warm your caramel slightly if it’s too thick for easy spreading but avoid overheating to keep gooey texture.
• Use parchment paper fully lining your pan for easy lift-out and clean cutting.
• Chill bars thoroughly before slicing to prevent mess and keep bars intact.
• To avoid coconut flavor dominance in the caramel, use a nut-based vegan caramel or no-coconut recipes.
• Customize your nuts: pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds work well.
• Store properly in airtight containers in the fridge for up to one week; freeze for longer storage.

Helpful Troubleshooting and Common Questions

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Use certified gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free oats.

Will old-fashioned oats work? They will, but expect a slightly crunchier bar.

Why is my caramel too runny or too hard? Caramel thickness depends on cooking time and temperature; reheat gently if runny, or add a little plant milk if too thick.

How should I store leftovers? Wrap individual bars or keep in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 7 days.

Can I freeze them? Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I substitute vegan butter? Coconut oil can work but might change the texture and make the bars greasier.

What if the bars fall apart? Press the crust firmly and chill thoroughly before cutting; the bars become more cohesive as they set.

Conclusion

These vegan carmelitas are a luscious blend of chewy oats, rich caramel, and melty chocolate that’s impossible not to love. With just a few simple ingredients and accessible techniques, you can create a show-stopping vegan dessert that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence. For another delightful baking project, try making our flaky and moist vegan strawberries and cream scones.

Remember to follow the pro tips and troubleshooting advice for best results and customize with your favorite nuts and caramel variations. Enjoy every gooey, chewy bite!