Description
Delicious and easy-to-make peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars featuring a rich peanut butter cookie base topped with a smooth cacao-date walnut layer. These bars combine the creamy sweetness of peanut butter and chocolate with the deep flavor of cacao and the natural sweetness of medjool dates, perfect for a satisfying dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Layer
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2½ cups almond flour
- 2½ tablespoons maca powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Cacao Layer
- 1½ cups walnuts
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 10 soft medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the Cookie Layer: In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together the creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and combined. Add the almond flour and maca powder, stirring until the mixture thickens evenly. Fold in the chocolate chips carefully. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the freezer to allow the cookie layer to firm up while you prepare the next layer.
- Prepare the Cacao Layer: In a small food processor, pulse the walnuts, cacao powder, and sea salt until the walnuts are finely chopped. Add the medjool dates and pulse again to combine. If the mixture is too thick and the blade gets stuck, add 2 tablespoons of water to help it process smoothly. Continue processing until the layer is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the smooth cacao-date walnut mixture evenly over the firmed peanut butter cookie layer in the pan. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance flavor and texture.
- Freeze to Set: Place the assembled bars back into the freezer for 30 minutes. This step helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut cleanly.
- Slice and Store: Remove from the freezer and slice into 25 bars. Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw each individually at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The bars firm up best in the freezer but can be stored in the refrigerator for easier cutting and serving.
- Using soft medjool dates ensures the cacao layer processes into a creamy texture; if your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before use.
- These bars can be frozen for extended storage and thawed briefly before eating.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, walnuts can potentially be substituted for seeds, but texture and flavor will vary.
- Press the cookie layer firmly to ensure a solid base that holds together when sliced.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
