No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

$To make no-bake cookie dough bars, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup almond flour - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - ¼ cup pure maple syrup - ¼ cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt - ½ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed) - ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional) These ingredients blend to create a tasty treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. You can change some ingredients to fit dietary needs: - Use oat flour instead of almond flour for a gluten-free option. - Swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free bars. - Replace maple syrup with agave nectar for a different sweetener. - Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index. These swaps can help make the bars suit various diets without losing flavor. To make your no-bake cookie dough bars more interesting, consider these additions: - Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut for a chewy texture. - Mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra nutrition. - Include spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist. - Fold in dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, for a sweet burst. These additions can elevate your bars, making them even more enjoyable and unique. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add one cup of almond flour and one cup of rolled oats. Use a spatula to mix them well. Make sure they blend evenly. This step is key for a smooth texture. Next, take a medium bowl. Whisk together half a cup of almond butter, a quarter cup of pure maple syrup, and a quarter cup of packed brown sugar. Add in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and half a teaspoon of fine sea salt. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Now, slowly pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use your spatula to stir until just combined. The dough will be thick, so don't worry. Gently fold in half a cup of dark chocolate chips and a quarter cup of chopped nuts if you want some crunch. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. Transfer the dough into the pan. Press it down firmly with your spatula. Make sure it spreads out evenly. Place the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bars firm up nicely. After chilling, lift the block out using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to slice it into squares or bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. When making no-bake cookie dough bars, mixing is key. Start with dry ingredients first. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour and 1 cup of rolled oats. Mix well with a spatula until both ingredients are even. This helps the oats blend nicely with the almond flour. Next, use a medium bowl for your wet ingredients. Whisk together ½ cup of almond butter, ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Aim for a smooth mix. This step adds creaminess to your bars. Gradually pour the wet mix into the dry blend. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a thick dough is what you want. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and optional nuts. This gives your bars that crunchy bite. Firmness is essential for sliceable bars. After mixing the dough, transfer it to an 8x8 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Press down hard and spread it evenly. This compact layer allows the bars to hold their shape. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial. It allows the bars to firm up nicely. If they feel soft after chilling, they need more time. Serving your bars can be fun! For a nice touch, arrange them on a pretty platter. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for added flair. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can make them look gourmet. You can also pair the bars with fresh fruit or yogurt. This adds a fresh taste and makes a great snack. Get creative with how you present them! Pro Tips Storage Tip: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for optimal freshness. Flavor Variation: Experiment with different nut butters, like cashew or sunflower seed butter, for a unique twist on flavor. Sweetness Adjustments: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar based on your personal sweetness preference. Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. {{image_4}} You can switch up your sweeteners and nut butters for different tastes. Instead of maple syrup, try honey or agave. These choices change the flavor while keeping the bars sweet. If you want a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. Both choices work great and provide a tasty base. Adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit can make these bars extra special. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also toss in some pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a healthy boost. Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins adds a sweet chewiness. Make sure to mix them in evenly so every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the taste. For a more unique twist, add a splash of almond or coconut extract. These small changes can create a whole new bar. Each variation keeps the essence of cookie dough while giving it a fresh spin. To keep your no-bake cookie dough bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method helps retain their taste and texture. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing works great! Cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a treat anytime. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Always use clean utensils when handling the bars. This prevents contamination and keeps them fresh longer. If you notice any moisture, remove it with a paper towel. For best taste, let them thaw in the fridge before eating. Enjoy your sweet treat at its best! Yes, you can use different flours. Almond flour gives a nice nutty taste. If you prefer, try oat flour or coconut flour. Each flour will change the taste and texture a bit. Just make sure the flour you choose is fine and works well in no-bake recipes. These bars last about one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Yes, these bars are vegan-friendly! The recipe uses almond butter and maple syrup, both plant-based. Just ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free if you want to keep them vegan. This makes them a great treat for everyone to enjoy. Absolutely! You can skip the nuts if you prefer. The bars will still taste great without them. If you want some crunch, try adding seeds or dried fruit instead. This keeps the texture interesting while being nut-free. In this blog post, I covered how to make no-bake cookie dough bars. We looked at key ingredients and easy substitutions for special diets. I provided clear steps to mix and prepare the bars. Tips on texture and serving made it simple to enjoy your treats. I also shared variations to customize flavors and storage advice to keep them fresh. Remember, making your bars is fun and easy. Enjoy creating and sharing them!$

Delicious and easy-to-make no-bake cookie dough bars that are perfect for a sweet treat.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup almond butter (or substitute with peanut butter)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)
¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the almond flour and rolled oats. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until both ingredients are evenly combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; the dough will be quite thick.
Carefully fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Transfer the cookie dough mixture into the pan. Press down firmly and spread it out evenly with your spatula to create a compact layer.
Place the prepared pan in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will allow the bars to firm up and hold their shape.
After chilling, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of cookie dough out of the pan. Slice into squares or bars with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the bars on a decorative platter. Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet finish! You can also serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side for added flavor.

Keyword bars, cookie dough, dessert, no-bake