Get ready for one of the most delicious plant based dessert bars you’ll ever make! These amazing Sweet & Salty Healthy Dessert Bars will satisfy any craving! They are gluten free, sweetened with dates & maple syrup, and plant based.
No Baking Required
These healthy dessert bars are also no bake and are incredibly simple to make – you just need a food processor for the bottom two layers, and then a way to melt the chocolate. I used a pyrex mixing bowl over a small pot of water, but it could even be microwaved!
I pressed each layer into the bottom of a glass loaf pan lined with a piece of parchment paper (my favorite eco-friendly Parchment Paper can be found here). You definitely want to line it with something, or grease it well, because it can be difficult to get out otherwise. Click here to read about Quick Protein Packed Spinach Salad Recipe.
My Food Processor Recommendation
For a recipe like this, a food processor is going to be your #1 friend. Unfortunately, its near impossible to make something like this in a blender, since they aren’t made for thick, dry ingredients like this.
Usually, I’m recommending top-of-the-line kitchen appliances (because they work so well above and beyond what an average appliance can handle – like my Vitamix). However, when it comes to a food processor, I have had a lot of luck with the inexpensive Hamilton Beach brand. My last Hamilton Beach food processor lasted about 10 years – I only got rid of it because the container was cracked and it was too old to get a replacement! The one I personally have (in the link above) even has a built in side scraper – and it really works!
Tahini?
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Kind of like, peanut butter – but with sesame seeds! Its a fantastic condiment generally used in middle eastern food, and – commonly – hummus.
Now, you’re probably wondering, Why put it in these dessert bars? It sounds odd, but the savory, salty flavor tastes absolutely incredible when combined with sweet dates and coconut oil.
Tahini can typically be found at your local grocery store.
You can also purchase it online, here. Keep in mind that it can go bad – so if you are new to it, and most likely won’t use a lot, buy a smaller amount. Store it in the refrigerator, and stir before use.
SWEET & SALTY HEALTHY DESSERT BARS RECIPE
Sweet & Salty Healthy Dessert Bars
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Freezing Time
15 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Sweet & salty dark chocolate & caramel dessert bars. Vegan, no bake, gluten free, refined sugar free.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Tags: caramel, chocolate, dessert, dessert bars, healthy dessert, plant based, vegan
Servings: 18 Small Bars
Calories: 173 kcal
Author: Home with Willow
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1/2 Cup Almonds
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- 1 Cup Rolled Oats
- 3 Tbls Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbls Maple Syrup
For the Caramel:
- 1 Tbls Maple Syrup
- 1 Cup Medjool Dates Pitted
- 3 Tbls Tahini
- 3 Tbls Coconut Oil
- Pinch of Sea Salt
For the Chocolate:
- 100 g Vegan Dark Chocolate
- 1 Tbls Coconut Oil
Directions
- Boil a small pot of water. Turn off the heat, and place your dates in it to soak for 10-20 minutes.
- In your food processor, add the almonds, coconut, and oats. Pulse until a coarse powder is achieved. Add your coconut oil & maple syrup and process until you get a dough. Turn out into a 9 x 5 glass loaf pan lined with parchment or tin foil, or well greased (I recommend the parchment). Place in the freezer.
- Wipe out (or clean) your processor. Now, add your maple syrup, dates, tahini, and coconut oil. Process until smooth and creamy. Pour into your loaf pan (second layer) and return to the freezer.
- Boil a small pot of water and place a glass pyrex dish above it to act as a double broiler. Place your chocolate & 1 tablespoon coconut oil in the pyrex bowl and begin to stir. Continue stirring until the mixture is JUST melted. Be careful not to over melt. Once melted, pour and spread evenly over the first two layers. If desired, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top.
- Return to the freezer to let the chocolate solidify – about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and, with a very sharp knife, cut into 8-9 slices. Then, cut each of those in half to make smaller, bite sized bars. Eat straight out of the freezer, or allow to thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before devouring. These healthy dessert bars would be delicious with coconut nice cream.
Also must read out:
Birthday Gift Delivery Send Happiness Anywhere in Australia
How to Choose Australia’s Best Birthday Gift Hampers