It was time for a NEW wholesome dessert recipe and so I did a google search of “best dessert bars” for inspiration. After scrolling through a few dozen images I landed on oatmeal bars with a fudge filling.
The recipe attached to that mouthwatering image was loaded with refined sugars, refined white flour, butter and cream so I worked my Recipe Hacker magic and re-wrote it using zero refined sugar, zero dairy and zero gluten.
Then I had the crazy idea to add some peanut butter, because it is a well-known fact that peanut butter makes EVERYTHING better.
These bars are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk - as they are on the drier side. Almost like a layered biscotti!
I hope you enjoy these tasty dessert bars as much as I do :)
1 (9oz) bag Lily’s stevia-sweetened chocolate chip
⅓ cup coconut cream
2 tablespoons coconut oil
¼ teaspoon sea salt
6 tablespoons Swerve Confectioners Style
2 cups blanched almond flour
2 cups old fashion oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
Place a medium sized skillet over medium low heat and add half an inch of water. Place a small saucepan in the skillet and fill it with the chocolate chips, coconut cream and coconut oil. Mix often as the chocolate melts.
Once melted, remove the mixture from the heat and add in the salt and swerve. Mix well, until fully combined. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl combine the almond flour, oats, baking powder and salt.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the coconut oil and peanut butter. Beat on medium until smooth. Add in the coconut sugar and vanilla and beat for 15 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the eggs into the mixture, beating for 10 seconds after adding each egg.
With the mixture on medium, add the flour mixture one large scoop at a time until fully combined.
Press half of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the fudge mixture over the cookie dough layer and press down to fill in any gaps. Sprinkle the remaining cookie dough mixture over the fudge layer and press down to fill in any gaps.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until golden. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Calories: 192
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Sodium: 110mg
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 7g