Vegan Snickers bars prove to be an indulgent blend of rich caramel, creamy peanut butter, and velvety chocolate – a sweet-tooth’s delight realized. Beginning with a rich caramel-infused shortbread cookie crust, the treat is elevated by the addition of crunchy peanuts, followed by a velvety layer of creamy peanut butter, and finally finished with a generous drizzle of indulgent melted chocolate. As I anxiously await the perfect chill on my freshly crafted no-bake energy bars. These sweet treats are an absolute delight to work with and devour.
Snickers Shortbread Bars [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
Vegan and gluten-free enthusiasts rejoice! To craft these scrumptious Snickers Shortbread Bars, you’ll need: 1 1/2 cups almond flour + 1/4 cup coconut sugar + 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 teaspoon baking soda + 1/4 teaspoon salt + 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened) + 1/2 cup maple syrup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips + 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
For the Crust:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 3 tablespoons coconut blossom sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 2/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
For the Caramel:
- 3/4 cup coconut blossom sugar
- 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla (optional)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Topping:
- Three and a half ounces of rich, decadent vegan 70 percent dark chocolate.
Vegan and gluten-free friends, rejoice! Here’s a recipe for Snickers-inspired shortbread bars that are as delicious as they are adaptable.
To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
While the shortbread is baking, prepare the chocolate ganache by melting 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life) with 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval.
Once the shortbread has cooled slightly, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- To prepare the crust, preheat the oven to a temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mixing until they’re fully incorporated, before transferring the mixture to a prepared baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Simply drizzle a small amount of high-quality coconut oil over the dish to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Preheat your oven to a medium-high temperature and bake the item for approximately 20 minutes, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
- After ten minutes of baking the crust, combine the components for the caramel layer in a saucepan set to medium heat. Combine the caramel ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking persistently as the mixture gradually escalates into a rich, velvety consistency that takes approximately 5-10 minutes to achieve. Pour the rich, velvety caramel over the warm, flaky crust. Allow it to set.
- With a layer of peanuts added atop the rich caramel, a subsequent smear of creamy peanut butter elevates the treat to new heights. Carefully melt the chocolate in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each heating, until smooth and creamy, then drizzle generously over the desired surface. Allow the dish to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
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