Soft-Baked Paleo Strawberry Cookie Bars: A Gluten-Free, Vegan Weekend Treat

Celebrate the weekend in style with these Soft-Baked Paleo Strawberry Cookie Bars, a dessert that promises to dazzle your taste buds and nourish your body. Crafted with almond flour, almond butter, and fresh, juicy strawberries, these cookie bars are a melt-in-your-mouth delight that perfectly balances moisture and flavor. Not only are they gluten-free, vegan, and grain-free, but they also encapsulate the essence of indulgence without any of the guilt. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your guests, these cookie bars are the epitome of celebration and healthful eating.

Why You’ll Love This

From their soft texture to their burst of strawberry flavor complemented by rich chocolate chips, there’s so much to love about these cookie bars. They’re the perfect answer to any dessert craving, providing a satisfyingly sweet treat that adheres to paleo, vegan, and gluten-free dietary preferences. The use of almond flour and almond butter adds a delightful nuttiness and depth of flavor, while the coconut sugar brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the freshness of the strawberries. These bars are a testament to how deliciously diverse and inclusive dessert can be.

Perfect Occasion

These Paleo Strawberry Cookie Bars are ideal for a wide array of occasions. Serve them at your weekend brunch for a sweet finale, enjoy them as a post-workout snack that satisfies without weighing you down, or pack them for a picnic as a delightful treat that’s sure to be a hit. They’re also perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to offer a healthier dessert option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Decoration Tips

For an added touch of elegance, garnish the cookie bars with a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped almonds before baking. Serving them on a charming platter or wrapping them individually as gifts can also enhance their appeal, making each bar feel like a special treat. A dusting of powdered sugar (use a paleo-friendly option if necessary) right before serving can add a beautiful finishing touch that makes these bars even more irresistible.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 3/4 cups almond flour
  • 1/3 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, or a regular egg if not vegan)
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup chopped strawberries
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Create the flax egg by combining ground flaxseed with water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to gel.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flax egg with almond butter, coconut oil, almond extract, and coconut sugar.
4. Stir in the almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. Gently fold in the strawberries and chocolate chips, then transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle additional strawberries and chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool completely in the pan, then slice into squares. For the best texture, store in the fridge overnight to firm up.

Enjoy these Soft-Baked Paleo Strawberry Cookie Bars, a celebration of flavor and healthfulness, making your weekends and every occasion in between a bit sweeter and a lot more satisfying.