Oatmeal Carmelitas (Gluten-Free)

What are Carmelitas, anyway?

If this is your first Carmelitas experience, you’re in for a satisfyingly chewy, sweet treat! Traditionally, Carmelitas are rich, gooey bars made with layers of oats, chocolate, and caramel sauce. Think of them as the love child between an oatmeal cookie and your favorite caramel candy! 

The original version includes all-purpose flour, but I wanted to make them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. So, I simply swapped in gluten-free all-purpose flour and found it beautifully mimics that signature taste and texture!  

Here are the top three reasons why you absolutely MUST make this gluten-free version:

• Deliciously sweet and chewy. The combination of decadent chocolate, salted caramel, chewy oats, and crunchy nuts will keep you coming back for more!
• Easy to make gluten-free dessert. With fuss-free gluten-free ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile snack bars. Great for an after-school snack, grab-and-go dessert, or to share with loved ones at your next gathering –everyone will love them!

Ingredients you’ll need

• Salted caramel sauce. Adds a rich, sweet, and salty flavor. You can use homemade salted caramel sauce (recipe below). Or, if you’re short on time, a store-bought option works just as well. I love using Smucker’s Simple Delight Salted Caramel Topping. 
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour. For the crust and topping. I highly recommend the King Arthur brand. If you use another one, ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best results.
• Quick oats. Help create the classic chewy texture. Ensure they’re gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities –Bob’s Red Mill has an excellent gluten-free option. 
• Coconut sugar. Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a slightly caramel-like flavor.  Brown sugar also works if preferred. 
• Salted butter. Helps create the flavorful crumbs that form the base and topping. Allow the butter to sit at room temperature until soft to make mixing easier. 
• Baking soda. Helps the crust and topping rise slightly.
• Sea salt. Use fine sea salt for the best results. If using a different type of salt (like kosher salt), adjust the quantity to taste, as other salts have different intensities.
• Vanilla. Adds a lovely depth of flavor and complements the caramel and chocolate. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Chopped pecans. Add a delightfully nutty crunch! Both pecans and walnuts work well, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand. For added flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the bars. 
• Chocolate chips. I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use dark or milk chocolate chips. Enjoy Life and Nestle Toll House both offer gluten-free options.

How to make oatmeal carmelitas

Step 1: Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over.

Step 2: Mix the base. In a stand mixer, mix the gluten-free flour, oats, coconut sugar, softened butter, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract on low speed until the mixture turns into coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Press and bake. Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Reserve the other half for the topping. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Add toppings. Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the chopped nuts and chocolate chips evenly over the top.

Step 5: Prepare caramel layer. Whisk together caramel sauce and 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour in a small bowl until smooth.

Drizzle this caramel mixture evenly over the nuts and chocolate chips. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the caramel layer. 

Step 6: Bake again. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the top is golden brown. The edges will look slightly more done than the center, which is perfect.

Step 7: Chill and serve. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish, then chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice, and enjoy!

How to make the salted caramel sauce from scratch

If you’re up for a little extra love, making your rich, velvety salted caramel sauce from scratch is totally worth it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Boil. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Let boil undisturbed until it turns a light amber color (6-7 minutes). Gently swirl the pan and use a metal spoon to scrape down the sides periodically, if needed. 
3. Add butter. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in 3½ tablespoons of room-temperature butter. Be careful –the mixture will bubble up vigorously!
4. Incorporate cream. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup of room-temperature heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Cool the sauce. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and allow it to cool completely before using it in this Carmelitas recipe. 

Recipe tips and FAQs

• Quality counts! Good-quality chocolate melts better and offers a richer flavor, while fresh, high-quality nuts add a delightful crunch, so go for the good ones! 
• Always line your baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides so it’s easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re cooked and cooled. 
• Chill before slicing. Allow the Carmelitas to cool completely in the baking dish, then let them chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before slicing. This helps them set properly, making clean slices much more manageable instead of turning into an ooey-gooey mess! 

Tips for making the caramel sauce from scratch

• Use room-temp ingredients. Before you start the caramel sauce, bring the butter and cream to room temperature. If added cold, the sauce may seize and clump up. Add these ingredients gradually and whisk constantly to incorporate them smoothly.
• Patience! When dissolving the sugar and water, whisk constantly over medium-low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Rushing this step can cause the sugar to crystallize. Patience is key! 
• Color watch. Keep a close eye on the color as the sugar boils. It should turn a light amber. If it gets too dark, it can become bitter. Gently swirl the pot occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Cool completely and store. Allow your homemade sauce to cool completely before using it for oatmeal carmelitas. This ensures it’s thick enough not to ooze from the bars when baked. 
• Make it ahead. You can also make the salted caramel sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just let it come to room temperature before using it in this recipe. 

Variations

Here are some personal touches to consider for your Carmelitas:

• Nuts – Swap out the pecans or walnuts for nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
• Dried fruit  – Mix dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, raisins, or shredded coconut into the crust or topping mixture for a burst of natural sweetness and pleasant chewiness in every bite.
• Nut butter – Drizzle melted peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella over the crust before adding the caramel sauce for an extra decadent blend of tastes and textures. 

FAQ

Storing and freezing

Storing: Store leftover gluten-free carmelitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Or, for longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

Freezing: To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before enjoying. 

More gluten-free dessert bars

Here are more delicious gluten-free handheld treats you’ll love: 

• Nutty Chocolate Bars
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars with Chocolate Chips (Gluten-Free)
• Gluten-Free White Chocolate Blondies 
• Classic Oat Date Bars (Gluten-Free Option) 
• Protein Rice Crispy Treats 

If you love this gluten-free carmelitas recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!

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