Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These decadent bars are one of our favorite vegan desserts!

 

MAKES 16 PORTIONS

Equipment needed: baking tin, large bowl, freezer, spoon, food processor

Total Time: 40 minutes

 

Ingredients: 

FOR THE BASE

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2½ cups almond flour
  • 2½ tablespoons maca powder, optional
  • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

FOR THE CACAO LAYER

  • 1½ cups walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 10 soft medjool dates
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top, optional

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    Method:

    1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until combined. Add the almond flour and maca, if using, and stir to combine (the mixture will be thick). Fold in the chocolate chips and press into the pan. Place in the freezer so that it firms up a bit while making the next layer.
    3. In a small food processor, pulse the walnuts, cacao powder, and sea salt until the walnuts are well chopped. Add the dates and pulse to combine, adding 2 tablespoons of water if the blade gets stuck. Process until smooth, then spread onto the cookie layer. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
    4. Freeze for 30 minutes (this will help them firm up, making them easier to cut). Remove and slice into bars. Store remaining bars in the fridge.