Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced, mouthwatering treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your health goals intact. These Paleo Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a dessert - they're a culinary revolution that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious! With a rich, buttery texture, gooey chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt, these bars will make you forget you're even following a paleo lifestyle.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and coconut sugar, whisking together until well blended and free of any lumps.
- Melt the coconut oil until it becomes liquid, then allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg when mixed.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth, consistent dough forms.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth, flat surface.
- Sprinkle the sea salt evenly across the top of the dough, which will enhance the caramel-like flavor profile.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes to allow the bars to firm up.
- Using the parchment paper edges, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes before cutting into 16 equal squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Make sure your coconut oil is melted but not hot when adding the egg to prevent scrambling.
- For extra caramel-like flavor, consider using dark coconut sugar which has a deeper, more complex taste.
- Don't overbake - the bars should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape.
- For best results, use high-quality almond flour and dark chocolate chips with minimal added sugars.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
