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Carmelitas

Carmelitas

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy Carmelitas recipe delivers the perfect balance of chewy oats, luscious caramel, and melty chocolate in delightful bars. Made with simple pantry staples and plant-based ingredients, these treats offer rich flavor and a satisfying texture that makes them ideal for snacks, parties, or cozy nights, customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Crust & Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour blend optional)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (plant-based), melted and chilled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)

Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Topping

  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips (plant-based)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oat crust: Preheat your oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted and chilled butter (plant-based) and vanilla extract (natural) until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press half of this oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan forming the crust.
  2. Add caramel layer: In a saucepan, gently warm the caramel sauce (natural) with apple cider vinegar and natural gelling agent to achieve a perfect chewy texture. Pour the caramel evenly over the oat crust, spreading to cover all corners.
  3. Add remaining oat mixture: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer for a crisp, golden top after baking.
  4. Top with chocolate chips: Scatter plant-based chocolate chips generously over the oat layer. These will melt slightly during baking to create rich pockets of chocolate.
  5. Bake until golden: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and set. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Use chilled butter (plant-based) to help the oat mixture hold together better during baking.
  • Press the crust firmly into the pan to keep the bottom layer intact when slicing.
  • Cool completely before cutting to prevent caramel and chocolate from running, ensuring clean slices.
  • Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  • Adjust baking time as needed; the top should be golden but not overcooked.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Carmelitas, oat bars, caramel bars, chocolate bars, plant-based dessert, easy baking, sweet treats

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/carmelitas/