Carmelitas Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Treat

If you’ve been craving a rich, gooey dessert that combines the best of caramel and chocolate but want to keep it entirely plant-based, then this vegan carmelitas recipe is your new go-to! Carmelitas are traditional Mexican-inspired bars known for their luscious layers of shortbread, gooey caramel, and chocolate chips.

In this vegan version, we swap out dairy and eggs for wholesome, cruelty-free alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try something new and delicious, these bars promise to satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.

Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or just indulging with a cup of coffee, vegan carmelitas offer a delectable treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with accessible ingredients.

So, let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and bring a little caramel-chocolate magic into your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan carmelitas recipe is a fantastic twist on a beloved classic. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:

• Rich, gooey caramel made from wholesome, plant-based ingredients creates that iconic sticky texture.
• Chocolate chips add bursts of melty sweetness throughout every bite.
• Simple pantry ingredients mean you don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items.
• Perfect balance of buttery, chewy, and crunchy textures thanks to the shortbread base and oat topping.
• Vegan and dairy-free, suitable for those with dietary restrictions or anyone seeking a plant-based treat.
• Great for gifting or meal prep—these bars store well and taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full fat, for caramel)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (for caramel)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (for caramel)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt (for caramel)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the shortbread base: In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and 1 cup brown sugar using a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and oats. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
5. Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it firmly for a nice crust.
6. Make the vegan caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and coconut oil. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
7. Pour the caramel evenly over the shortbread crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it gently but evenly.
8. Sprinkle the vegan chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
9. Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the top of the chocolate chips, creating a rough, uneven layer.
10. Bake the carmelitas in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly around the edges.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the caramel to set properly.
12. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture or sprinkle them over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate chips.”

• Use gluten-free oats and flour to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
• Try different sweeteners like coconut sugar or date syrup for a unique flavor profile in the caramel.
• Swap out chocolate chips for vegan white chocolate or chopped dark chocolate pieces for variety.
• Make mini carmelitas: Use a muffin tin to bake bite-sized bars for easy snacking and portion control.
• For a saltier balance, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop the finished bars before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan carmelitas are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• A hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and warm you up on chilly days.
• Fresh berries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing contrast to the rich bars.
• A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or chocolate syrup on top for extra indulgence.
• As part of a dessert platter alongside other vegan treats like Lemon Straws Recipe or Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

Making vegan carmelitas at home is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat without any animal products. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between chewy oats, buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate, all while being completely plant-based.

Whether you’re baking for special occasions, casual gatherings, or just a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations suggested, and be sure to store your carmelitas properly to keep them fresh and delightful. If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more creative vegan dishes like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or explore wholesome comfort food with our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Happy baking!

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