Healthy Mars Bar Bites
Healthy Mars Bar Bites
Ingredients
For the Nougat Layer
- 1/2 cup cashew butter, unsweetened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained
- 2 tablespoons almond milk, or other plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, dairy-free, 70% or higher cocoa content
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- 1
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
Prepare the nougat layer: In a medium bowl, combine the cashew butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, coconut flour, vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Mix well until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should be firm enough to press.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Press the nougat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact layer. Place in the freezer to chill while you prepare the caramel.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Prepare the caramel layer: In a food processor, combine the drained pitted Medjool dates, almond milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Process until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes.
⏱️ 7 min
- 5
Remove the nougat layer from the freezer. Spread the date caramel evenly over the nougat layer. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Once firm, remove the chilled layers from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 8-12 bars or squares, depending on desired size.
⏱️ 5 min
- 7
Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
⏱️ 3 min
- 8
Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Use a fork to lift the bar, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
⏱️ 10 min
- 9
Once all bars are coated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
⏱️ 30 min
- 10
Store the healthy Mars bar bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Healthy Mars Bar Bites
For the Nougat Layer
- 1/2 cup cashew butter, unsweetened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained
- 2 tablespoons almond milk, or other plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, dairy-free, 70% or higher cocoa content
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- 1
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
⏱️ 2 min - 2
Prepare the nougat layer: In a medium bowl, combine the cashew butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, coconut flour, vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Mix well until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should be firm enough to press.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Press the nougat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact layer. Place in the freezer to chill while you prepare the caramel.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Prepare the caramel layer: In a food processor, combine the drained pitted Medjool dates, almond milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Process until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes.
⏱️ 7 min - 5
Remove the nougat layer from the freezer. Spread the date caramel evenly over the nougat layer. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Once firm, remove the chilled layers from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 8-12 bars or squares, depending on desired size.
⏱️ 5 min - 7
Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
⏱️ 3 min - 8
Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Use a fork to lift the bar, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
⏱️ 10 min - 9
Once all bars are coated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
⏱️ 30 min - 10
Store the healthy Mars bar bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for longer storage.