Decadent Vegan Oat Bars with Rich Maple Caramel

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:

1. Start by preparing an 8-inch square pan with a light oil coating and lined with parchment for easy removal.
2. 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.
3. Stir in the vegan chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
4. Press the mixture firmly into your prepped pan, creating a smooth and even base.
5. In a double boiler, whisk together the ingredients for the caramel until you have a smooth and shiny mixture.
6. Pour this over your oat base, spreading it out evenly, then let it set in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
7. For the topping, gently melt together vegan chocolate and cashew butter, stirring until glossy.
8. Once your caramel has set, pour over the melted chocolate mixture and return to the fridge for another half an hour.
9. 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!