This is one of my most favorite dessert recipes and I’m so excited to share it today. These bars have two layers. The “crust” is a mixture of raw almonds and dates that resembles the texture of a Larabar. The top, cookie dough layer is made up of coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, flour, and mini chocolate chips. You won’t believe how good these are until you try them. If you are like me, and could pretty much devour a bowl of cookie dough before it even makes it into the oven, this dessert is for you. Amazing news: these bars taste just like cookie dough and contain no eggs or dairy of any kind. They are also under 200 calories per bar! I made them for a party recently and they were gone so quickly. Both kids and adults loved these bars and non one knew they were “healthy” unless I told them. They are honestly so quick and easy to make. There is very little active prep time involved. Feel free to double this recipe and make in an 8×8 pan, if desired. I hope they make you as happy as they make me!
Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 10
Ingredients: ½ cup raw almonds 1½ cups pitted medjool dates pinch kosher salt 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, divided 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted 3 tbsp pure maple syrup ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp vegan mini chocolate chips, divided
Directions: Line a 7×5.5” pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Place almonds in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarse but not powdery. Add the dates, a pinch of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of the vanilla and process until a dough ball forms. Press the dough into an even layer in the prepared pan and set aside. In a medium sized bowl, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, and ¾ teaspoon vanilla with a fork until thick and well combined. Add the flour and mix until smooth and shiny. Mix in 1 tablespoon of the mini chocolate chips. Pour the cookie dough over the almond mixture in the pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with an additional tablespoon of chocolate chips, and use your hand to gently press them into the dough so they’ll stick.
Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Use the parchment to lift the bars from the pan and cut into bars or bite sized portions.
Nutrition Information per serving:
Calories: 181 Fat: 8g Carbs: 27g Protein: 3g Sodium: 10mg Sugar: 18g
*Nutrition information is based on the products I used personally in this recipe. Different products may yield slightly different information.
Source: The Live in Kitchen: Cookie Dough Bars
