No-Bake Amazing Everything Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free)
I’m going to get straight to the point about today’s recipe- it might be my favorite dessert that I’ve ever posted!
I’m calling the recipe No-Bake Amazing Everything Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free) because they’re made of all my favorite ingredients (chocolate, peanut butter and coconut- the holy trinity!), the layers make them a total feast for the eyes, AND they taste beyond decadent.
I based the recipe off these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Bars and added a couple of extra elements. The crust is now chocolatey, and there’s a coconut-cacao crunch layer which takes the texture to the next level.
The bars are so rich that you’d NEVER guess how clean the ingredient list is!
To keep all eight layers separate, I popped the pan in the freezer to harden each layer before adding the next. This method does add a bit of prep time, but I think it’s worth it because the bars end up looking so pretty! If you want to cut the time down, you can condense the layers- the bars will still be just as delicious!
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup dates (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes if not soft)
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple
- pinch of salt
- ¼ cup coconut butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup dates (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes if not soft)
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- pinch of salt
- Line a 9" x 5" loaf pan with parchment paper. This will help the bars come out easily.
- To prepare the crust, pulse the oats in a blender or food processor until flour is formed. Add all the other crust ingredients, then pulse until a mostly smooth texture is formed. Scoop the mixture out and press it into the bottom of the pan.
- For the first crunchy coconut layer, spread 2 tablespoons of the coconut butter over the crust. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs on top.
- To prepare the chocolate layer, in a small cup, stir all ingredients together until smooth. Pour over ⅓ of the mixture over the crunchy coconut layer. Place the pan in the freezer so this layer can harden (about 15 minutes).
- To prepare the caramel peanut butter layer, blend all ingredients together until smooth. Spread half of the mixture over the chocolate layer. Place the pan back in the freezer so this layer can harden.
- Repeat the process with another crunchy coconut layer, chocolate, caramel peanut butter and a third chocolate layer on top.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator so everything can set, until the top is firm. Remove the pan and gently tug on the parchment paper to remove hardened piece. Use a knife to slice into bars and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Okay so when I saw the title I was immediately curious, and these bars TOTALLY live up to their name! Each layer sounds more decadent and delicious than the one before. Love the simplicity of the ingredients, and the gorgeous side shot of these bars makes the slightly more time consuming freezer process completely worth it. They look amazing, Ilene!!
I’m so obsessed with this recipe right now the simplicity of the ingredients is totally why. I’m so glad you agree!! <3
I am currently RUNNING to the kitchen to make these bars! A no bake bar with that many decadent layers and simple wholesome ingredients… SIGN ME UP!!!
I am definately going to try this. Thannk you!!
Awesome! Let me know how you like them!
I want to make these, but I don’t have coconut butter. Do you have any ideas on a substitute? More peanut butter? Thanks!
Someone else just told me they swapped the coconut butter for shredded coconut and they turned out extra crunchy and delicious! I think you could even just skip the coconut butter entirely and the bars will still be awesome!
Hi Ilene, thanks for the recipe! Any idea on the energy value of these by any chance? Thank you.
Hi Victoria! I don’t calculate the nutritional value for my recipes because I believe in “counting colors, not calories.” That said, you should be able to plug in ingredients into an online program if you’d like! 🙂
These look amazing!! But I don’t see any caramel in the ingredients…am I blind!??
It’s the last layer in the ingredient list! 🙂
these were great! I subbed dates for figs and raisins since I didn’t have figs. Loved them!
These are amazing! Thanks!!!!
YAY!