Delight in these sumptuous vegan oat bars topped with a rich maple caramel, a perfect dessert that marries healthiness with indulgence!
Ingredients:
Oat Cookie Dough:
- 220 g (2¾ cups) rolled oats, finely processed for a fine foundation
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, to enhance the flavors
- 200 g (¾ cup) cashew butter, smooth and natural
- 100 ml (⅖ cup) pure maple syrup, for a golden sweetness
- 1 tablespoon (10 ml) vanilla bean paste, for a fragrant essence
- 120 g (⅔ cup) vegan chocolate chips, for delightful chocolate bursts
Silky Maple Caramel:
- 250 g (1 cup) cashew butter, for a creamy texture
- 160 ml (⅔ cup) pure maple syrup, for a luxurious depth
- 65 g (⅓ cup) coconut oil, solid state for structure
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla bean paste, for an aromatic note
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, to cut through the sweetness
Glossy Chocolate Topping:
- 200 g (7 oz) vegan chocolate, melted into a smooth glaze
- 30 g (2 tbsp) cashew butter, blended for richness
- Flaky sea salt, a sprinkle for the perfect finish
Instructions:
- Start by preparing an 8-inch square pan with a light oil coating and lined with parchment for easy removal.
- Take the rolled oats for a spin in your food processor until they're finely ground. Add in the cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, blending until you have a homogenous dough.
- Stir in the vegan chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Press the mixture firmly into your prepped pan, creating a smooth and even base.
- In a double boiler, whisk together the ingredients for the caramel until you have a smooth and shiny mixture.
- Pour this over your oat base, spreading it out evenly, then let it set in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
- For the topping, gently melt together vegan chocolate and cashew butter, stirring until glossy.
- Once your caramel has set, pour over the melted chocolate mixture and return to the fridge for another half an hour.
- When it's time to serve, heat a sharp knife in hot water, dry it off, and slice through the set layers. Sprinkle over a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated touch.
These Vegan Oat Bars with Maple Caramel are a true delight that offers a satisfying texture and a balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for more. Share them at your next get-together, or keep them all to yourself—we won't tell!
