Craving a dessert that's both decadent and nutritious? Get ready to discover the ultimate plant-based treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and nourish your body! These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Bars are not just a recipe; they're a culinary revolution that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and crunchy peanuts - all without any animal products. Whether you're a committed vegan, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves amazing food, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add rolled oats to the peanut butter mixture and mix thoroughly until all oats are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula to create a compact base layer.
- Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the oat and peanut butter base, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate layer for added texture and crunch.
- Refrigerate the bars for approximately 1-2 hours or until the chocolate has completely set.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into 12 even rectangles.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
- For extra richness, choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
- Press the base mixture firmly into the pan to create a compact, solid layer that holds together well.
- If you want a smoother chocolate top, use a double boiler instead of a microwave for melting chocolate.
- For added nutrition, consider using natural, unsweetened peanut butter to control sugar content.
- Allow sufficient chilling time to ensure the bars set properly and are easy to cut.
- For a variation, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a gourmet touch.
- Store in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect texture and extend shelf life.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts when portioning the bars.
- Experiment with different nut butters or add-ins like coconut flakes for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
