Do you have any idea what a carmelita is?

I had bookmarked this recipe for months and finally got around to trying it! I had no idea what a carmelita was until I accidentally came across this gluten-free, vegan friendly version. I had to google it. Is it an American thing? Either the good Lord has protected me from the original carmelitas until now; or they are just not big in South Africa.

I love how Lulu the Baker describes Carmelitas … “See, a Carmelita is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill treat. Rather, it is like a buttery oatmeal cookie that swallowed a caramel-filled chocolate bar and then got bibitty-bobitty-booed by the dessert fairy godmother and received an extra dose of deliciousness.”

It seems that these oatmeal based slices, filled with chocolate and a caramel sauce, are traditionally made with heavy cream, butter, sugar and dairy-milk chocolate. Thanks to Maryea of Happy Healthy Mama I could try these bad-boys without the guilt!

I’m not going to lie, these slices are by far the most delicious treats that have come out of my kitchen. Period.

Go on. Try these. Now.

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 deg C (350 deg F). If you are not using a silicone baking pan then line an 8X8 inch pan with foil or parchment paper.

Melt the coconut oil in a glass or metal bowl over a bowl of hot water.

Add the sugar to the melted coconut oil and whisk until well combined.

If not using oat flour, blend 1 cup of the oats in a food processor or blender until they are a fine flour.

Add the oat flour and the remaining 1 cup of rolled oats to the bowl with the oil and sugar. 

Add the vanilla, salt, bicarb, and baking powder and mix well.

Press HALF of the oat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

While the first layer is baking, prepare the caramel layer. Whisk together the tahini, maple syrup, coconut milk and salt.

After 10 minutes, take the pan out of the oven. Add the chocolate chips / chunks in an even layer.

Next, slowly pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate layer.

Finally, top this with the remaining oat mixture. I sprinkle a small handful of rolled oats on top (optional).

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the edges are lightly browned and the centre is bubbling slightly (approximately 18-20 minutes).

Place the dish in the fridge to set for 2-4 hours before slicing as they will be too crumbly before setting.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Happy Healthy Mama.