Vegan Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars are a decadent, irresistible dessert that combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a smooth, gooey caramel. These bars have a soft, fudgy base made of chocolate, a luscious peanut butter layer, and are finished with a sweet, caramel drizzle. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to be a hit at parties, gatherings, or as a sweet treat for yourself.
Perfect for:
- Vegan dessert lovers
- Special occasions
- Afternoon snacks
- Chocolate and peanut butter fans
- Gifting
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Vegan Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars will quickly become your go-to dessert:
- Perfect Chocolate-Peanut Butter Combo: The rich chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing that can’t be beat.
- Decadent Layers: The fudgy chocolate base and creamy peanut butter layer offer a delicious contrast of textures.
- Homemade Caramel: The vegan caramel adds a buttery, smooth finish to each bite.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made with dairy-free ingredients, these bars are perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.
- No Bake Required: These bars come together without the need for baking, making them quick and easy to prepare.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: These bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Rich and Satisfying: A small piece goes a long way, satisfying your sweet tooth with every bite.
- Customizable Toppings: Add extra chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, or sea salt for added flavor and texture.
- Great for Sharing: The bars are easy to slice and serve at gatherings or as a sweet treat for family and friends.
- Indulgent Yet Healthier: With plant-based ingredients, these bars are a healthier take on traditional caramel and chocolate desserts.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2.5 hours
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Base:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup almond milk
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Crushed peanuts
- Sea salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Almond Flour: A grain-free flour that gives the base a soft texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Cocoa Powder: Rich and unsweetened, cocoa powder gives the bars their intense chocolate flavor.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Coconut Oil: Adds creaminess to the chocolate base and peanut butter layer while helping them set.
- Coconut Milk: Used in the caramel sauce, it gives the sauce a smooth, rich texture without dairy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Chocolate Base:
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Mix until the batter comes together and is smooth.
- Press into Pan: Press the chocolate mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it down.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes while you prepare the peanut butter layer.
The Peanut Butter Layer:
- Combine Peanut Butter and Sweeteners: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Spread Over Base: Remove the chilled chocolate base from the fridge and spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
- Chill Again: Return the pan to the fridge for 1 hour to allow the peanut butter layer to set.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- Cook the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and coconut oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel thickens slightly.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the Caramel: Once the caramel has cooled, pour it evenly over the chilled peanut butter layer.
- Chill Once More: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the caramel is firm.
Serve:
- Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Vegan Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars:
- As an Afternoon Snack: Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
- For Dessert: Serve after dinner as an indulgent treat.
- For Gifting: Wrap a batch in parchment paper and tie with twine for a sweet, homemade gift.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with vegan vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- For Parties: Serve at gatherings for a treat everyone can enjoy.
- With Fresh Berries: Top with raspberries or strawberries for a fresh contrast to the richness.
- As a Movie Night Snack: Enjoy while watching your favorite movie or TV show.
- With Coffee: Pair with a cup of coffee for a satisfying afternoon break.
- For Special Occasions: Serve these bars as a unique and memorable treat at celebrations.
- As a Post-Workout Treat: Packed with healthy fats and protein, these bars make a great recovery snack.
Additional Tips
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: For the best texture, use natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugar or oils.
- Check the Caramel Consistency: The caramel will thicken as it cools. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Allow Chilling Time: Make sure to allow enough time for each layer to set properly in the fridge before adding the next.
- Cut Cleanly: Use a warm knife to cut the bars cleanly for a neat presentation.
- Add Toppings: For extra texture and flavor, top the bars with crushed peanuts, vegan chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the top for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Caramel Swirl: Swirl the caramel into the peanut butter layer for a marbled effect.
- Crunchy Base: Add crushed gluten-free cookies or granola to the chocolate base for extra crunch.
- Almond Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Coconut Caramel: Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for an even creamier caramel.
- Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
Special Equipment
- 9×9-inch Square Pan: For easy layering and cutting.
- Electric Mixer: Optional, for smoother mixing of the peanut butter layer.
- Saucepan: For making the caramel sauce.
- Spatula: To spread the layers evenly.
- Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars.
- Sharp Knife: For cleanly cutting the bars.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunbutter are great alternatives to peanut butter. - How long do these bars last?
They can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months. - Can I use a different sweetener for the caramel?
You can use agave or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. - Can I add more chocolate?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or a chocolate drizzle on top for an extra indulgent touch. - Can I make these bars without the caramel layer?
Yes, the bars are still delicious without the caramel, just make sure to add an extra layer of peanut butter or chocolate. - How do I prevent the caramel from being too runny?
Allow the caramel to simmer for a few minutes to thicken before pouring it over the peanut butter layer. - Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. - How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pan to make a bigger batch.
Conclusion
Vegan Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars are the ultimate indulgence, with layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and gooey caramel. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, these bars will satisfy your sweet cravings while offering a decadent and satisfying treat. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or serving them at a special occasion, these bars will leave everyone wanting more. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dessert!