No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

$- 1 cup almond flour - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - ¼ cup maple syrup - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup dark chocolate chips - ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional) You need these simple ingredients to make no-bake cookie dough bars. Almond flour gives a nice base. Rolled oats add texture and fiber. Almond butter or peanut butter makes it creamy. Maple syrup and brown sugar bring sweetness. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. A bit of salt enhances everything. For fun, add dark chocolate chips. If you like nuts, toss in some chopped nuts too! - Alternative nut butters: You can swap almond butter for peanut or cashew butter. Each gives a unique taste but keeps it creamy. - Sweetener options: If you want, use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. Adjust the amount based on taste. - Gluten-free alternatives: If you need gluten-free, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You can also try coconut flour in place of almond flour. These substitutions let you customize your bars. They help fit your taste and dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make these no-bake cookie dough bars, start with the dry mix. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour and 1 cup of rolled oats. Stir until they blend well. Next, you’ll need to mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of almond butter, ¼ cup of maple syrup, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure this mixture is smooth and creamy. Now, it's time to bring them together. Pour the wet mixture into the dry one. Mix until they combine. The dough will be thick. This is normal! Gently fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips and ¼ cup of chopped nuts if you like. Now, let’s assemble the bars. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal. Press the cookie dough mixture into the pan. Spread it evenly so it sets well. Next, refrigerate the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bars firm up. They will be easier to cut once set. When your bars are ready, it’s time to cut them. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. To avoid sticking, you can warm the knife slightly. For serving, you can arrange the bars on a nice platter. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a sweet touch. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice contrast. Enjoy your delicious no-bake cookie dough bars! To get the right texture for your no-bake cookie dough bars, focus on moisture. If the mix feels too dry, add a touch more almond butter or maple syrup. This will help bind the ingredients better. On the other hand, if it's too wet, simply add a bit more almond flour or oats. Aim for a thick dough that holds together well. Next, think about thickness. When you press the mixture into the baking pan, make sure it's even. Use a spatula to spread it out flat. A thicker bar will give you a chewier bite, while a thinner one will be crispier. Flavor is key in any recipe. To give your bars an extra kick, try adding spices. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste. Just a little goes a long way. You can also incorporate extracts. While vanilla extract is a must, consider adding almond or coconut extract for a fun twist. These small changes can transform your bars into something special. Presentation makes a difference when serving treats. Arrange your bars on a decorative platter for a nice touch. You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top for added flair. Another fun idea is to sprinkle sea salt on top. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bars. For serving, cut them into squares or bars based on your preference. Use colorful plates to make the dish pop! Pro Tips Use Smooth Almond Butter: For the best texture, use a creamy almond butter that spreads easily. This will ensure your bars have a uniform consistency. Chill Longer for Firmness: If you prefer a firmer bar, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for an hour instead of 30 minutes. This helps the bars hold their shape better. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your bars by adding dried fruits, different types of nuts, or even a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost! Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your no-bake cookie dough bars easily. First, try different nut butters. Almond butter gives a light taste, while peanut butter is rich and creamy. Each one brings a unique flavor. Next, add fun mix-ins. Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins can add sweetness. Shredded coconut adds a nice chew and tropical feel. Just mix them in after adding the chocolate chips. This lets you create your favorite flavor! If you want vegan options, swap the honey and brown sugar. Use maple syrup as a sweetener. Make sure your nut butter is also vegan. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. For sugar-free versions, you can use a sugar substitute. Look for sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. These keep your bars sweet without extra sugar. Just adjust the amount based on the brand. Get creative with seasonal themes! For holidays, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm touch. You can also fold in mini chocolate eggs for Easter or red and green sprinkles for Christmas. Incorporating seasonal flavors keeps your bars fresh. In summer, you might add fresh berries. In fall, pumpkin spice can give a cozy twist. The options are endless, so have fun with it! To keep your no-bake cookie dough bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. If you want to save some for later, freeze them. Cut the bars into pieces before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for a long time in the freezer. These bars can last about one week in the fridge. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look dry, it’s best to toss them. Freshness is key to enjoying these delicious treats. Keep an eye on their appearance and smell to make sure they stay good. Can I use different types of flour? Yes, you can use different flours. Almond flour gives a nice taste and texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try oat flour or coconut flour. Each will change the flavor a bit, so choose what you like best. How can I make these bars vegan? To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup as the sweetener. Almond butter is already vegan, but you can swap it for peanut butter or any nut-free butter. Just make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Are these cookie dough bars safe to eat raw? Yes, these cookie dough bars are safe to eat raw. We use almond flour and oats, which don't pose a risk like raw flour or eggs. Enjoy the dough without any worries! What are the serving sizes? This recipe yields 16 bars. Each bar is a great snack or dessert. You can cut them smaller for bite-sized treats or larger for a more filling snack. How to pair them with beverages? Pair these bars with milk, almond milk, or coffee. They also go well with tea, especially chai or green tea. A cold glass of almond milk can balance the sweetness nicely. Can the recipe be doubled? Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger pan and adjust the mixing time. Make sure to store any extras in the fridge or freezer. How to make smaller or larger batches? To make smaller batches, cut the ingredients in half. For larger batches, simply multiply by two or three. Just keep the mixing method the same for best results. You can make delicious cookie dough bars with simple ingredients like almond flour and oats. I covered substitutes for nut butters and sweeteners, so everyone can enjoy them. The steps are easy, from mixing to cutting. I shared tips for texture, flavor, and presentation too. With variations for dietary needs and seasonal themes, there’s a bar for everyone. Store them properly for the best taste and use the FAQs for common concerns. Enjoy making these bars your way!$

Delicious and easy-to-make cookie dough bars that require no baking.

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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
0.5 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
0.25 cup maple syrup
0.25 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and rolled oats, stirring until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until combined. The mixture will be thick.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Once set, remove from the pan and cut into squares or bars.

Notes

Arrange the bars on a decorative platter and drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt for extra flair!

Keyword bars, cookie dough, no-bake