No Bake Chocolate Pecan Bars - Gluten Free + Vegan

No Bake Chocolate Pecan Bars - Gluten Free + Vegan

Delicious No Bake Chocolate Pecan Bars recipe that is gluten-free and vegan. Naturally sweetened with no corn syrup! Easy to make and a really yummy healthier dessert option.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Chill 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 225kcal

Author Sharon Rhodes

Equipment

Food Processor

Ingredients

FOR THE BASE

2 cups pecans
1 cup oats *use certified gluten free for allergies
¾ cup pitted dates
⅓ cup peanut butter *natural peanut butter
2 tbsp. maple syrup

FOR THE TOPPING

1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tsp coconut oil
½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Line a 9x9 dish with parchment paper and set aside.
Add 2 cups of pecans and the oats to a food processor and pulse until the nuts are pulverized and the oats are like flour.
Add the dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup to the food processor and buzz it again until it starts to form a dough. It should stick together when you pinch it between your fingers.
Press the mixture into the lined 9x9 and place it in the freezer. Be sure to really press it into the pan to ensure the bars aren't crumbly.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir until the chips have melted and the mixture is smooth.
Take the base out of the freezer and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top. Spread it with a knife to make it even. Sprinkle the top with the chopped pecans.
Put back into the freezer to set. This should take about 30 minutes.
Slice into bars.
Store in the fridge or freezer in a sealed container for up to a week.

Video

Notes

Use a flat spatula to press the bottom crust layer down really well into the baking pan to avoid crumbly bars.
Remember to use natural peanut butter as the oils work best for holding the bars together. You could also use almond butter or even pecan butter instead of peanut butter. Any nut butter works in this recipe as long as it is natural.
Substitute another natural sweetener such as honey instead of maple syrup.
Add a drop of vanilla extract to the date mixture for some added flavor!
Store in the freezer or fridge in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to a week.

Nutrition