Peanut Butter & Shortbread Bars

Vegan Peanut Butter & Shortbread Bars are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crumbly shortbread, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and nutty flavors. The buttery shortbread base complements the velvety peanut butter layer, while a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate adds an indulgent finishing touch. These cruelty-free bars not only satisfy dessert cravings but also showcase the delicious possibilities of vegan baking with their rich and decadent profile.

Ingredients:

Shortbread Base:

1. 3 cups blanched or activated almond meal⠀
2. 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut⠀
3. 1/2 tsp salt⠀
4. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup⠀
5. 1 tsp vanilla extract⠀
6. 1/4 cup + 1Tbsp coconut oil, melted
   
   
   

Peanut Butter Filling:

• 2 cups peanut butter⠀
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  
  
  

Chocolate Coating:

• 200g 80% dark chocolate⠀
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
  
  
  

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 150 degrees C.⠀
• Add almond meal, coconut and salt to a food processor and pulse to form a fine flour. With the processor running, drizzle in the remaining ingredients to form an even ball of dough.
• Add base to a 20cm square baking tin (lined, or silicone) and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove base from the oven and allow to cool.⠀
• Make the peanut butter filling by combining the peanut butter and maple syrup in a bowl (simply mix with a spoon until uniform)
• Spread mixture over cooled base, then transfer to the freezer to firm for 1 hour.⠀
• After this time, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Once liquid, set aside.⠀
• Remove the base from the freezer, then cut into 16 bars (or whatever you prefer). Dip each bar into chocolate, coating fully, then place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
• Top with flakey salt, if using. Once all bars are dipped, place in the fridge to allow the chocolate to completely firm, then store in an airtight container.
• The bars are better eaten at room temperature, and in cooler weather do not need to be stored in the fridge; however, they freeze well, and you can simply defrost one at a time.