Walnut Caramel Chocolate Bars
DESCRIPTION
This recipe is the perfect way to shake things up this holiday season! These decadent bars have a crisp walnut base followed by a rich caramel layer that’s all topped off with chocolate walnut fudge. Sink your teeth into a thick and fudgy bar that’s gluten-free, vegan, and oh so delicious!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup California walnuts
- 1/2 cup gluten free flour
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
Vegan Caramel
- 3/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Walnut Fudge
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups coarsely chopped California walnuts
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Place all crust ingredients in a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds or until you’ve reached a crumbly consistency. Spread in prepared pan and press down firmly to make a single even layer. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the edges have just started to brown.
- While crust is baking, to prepare caramel, place all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning; let cool slightly. Mixture should now coat the back of a spoon and be reduced to 1/2 cup. Pour over cooled crust and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, to prepare Chocolate Walnut Fudge, place coconut sugar, coconut oil and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread over caramel layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove from pan and cut into thin slices. Store in the refrigerator and serve cold.