Decadent Vegan Peanut Butter Caramel Shortbread Bars

Embark on a culinary journey with these sumptuous Vegan Peanut Butter Caramel Shortbread Bars, a sublime treat marrying the nutty richness of peanut butter with the comforting sweetness of maple syrup, all ensconced in a luxurious chocolate coating.

Ingredients:

For the Delectable Shortbread Crust:

• 150 g (1 ⅓ cups) ground almonds for a nutty, rich base
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt to balance and enhance the flavors
• 20 ml (4 tsp) pure maple syrup for a touch of nature’s sweetness
• 60 g (¼ cup) smooth peanut butter for creamy decadence
• 20 g (1 ½ tbsp) coconut oil, solid, to bind and enrich the crust

For the Luscious Peanut Butter Caramel:

• 280 g (1 cup) smooth peanut butter, the star of the show
• 125 ml (½ cup) pure maple syrup, because more sweetness equals more bliss
• 40 g (3 tbsp) coconut oil, solid, for a perfect caramel consistency
• 1 teaspoon sea salt to cut through the sweetness
• 1-2 tablespoons maca powder, optional, for a hint of malty flavor and superfood goodness

For the Rich Chocolate Coating:

• 200 g (7.05 oz) vegan chocolate to envelop the bars in chocolatey heaven
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil to ensure a smooth, shiny finish

Instructions:

1. Kick things off with the shortbread by preheating your oven and lining your chosen pan with parchment paper for a non-stick guarantee. Pulse the crust ingredients until they form a pliable dough, press into the base of the pan, and bake until golden. Allow it to cool off like it’s just completed a marathon.
2. For the caramel, blend the ingredients over gentle heat until you achieve a silky mixture. Pour over the crust and let it freeze to set; think of it as a caramel hibernation.
3. Once the caramel is firm, wield a hot knife like a lightsaber to slice through the bars. Freeze these beauties while you prepare the chocolate bath they so richly deserve.
4. Melt the chocolate with coconut oil, then lovingly coat each bar. A sprinkle of sea salt is the final flourish on what can only be described as a masterpiece.
5. Let the bars set in the fridge until they’re ready to handle the spotlight, then serve these Vegan Peanut Butter Caramel Shortbread Bars with pride. Share the recipe with fellow dessert aficionados, and don’t forget to bookmark our site for more vegan delights that’ll have you and your guests coming back for seconds!