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If you’re craving a delectably indulgent treat that also aligns with your plant-based lifestyle, this Vegan Mars Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of nutty almond base, creamy caramel goodness, and a rich, velvety chocolate coating, these bars taste just like the classic candy but with wholesome, vegan ingredients. Making them from scratch is easier than you might think, and the result is a crowd-pleaser perfect for sharing or savoring as your own secret delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Vegan Mars Bars Recipe are simple yet carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crunchy almonds providing base and body, to the luscious caramel that melts in your mouth.
- Blanched almonds (1 ¼ cups): Ground to a fine crumb, these form the crunchy, nutty foundation of your bars.
- Sea salt (¼ tsp and ½ tsp): Enhances all other flavors, giving depth and a subtle savory contrast.
- Almond butter (5 tbsp and 2 tbsp): Adds creamy richness and helps bind the layers together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses a warm, fragrant sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
- Coconut sugar (¼ cup): Provides natural caramel notes and a subtle sweetness to the base.
- Cacao powder (1 tbsp): Gives a chocolatey undertone without overpowering the other flavors.
- Coconut milk (2 tbsp plus ½ cup): Brings moisture and creaminess, crucial for that luscious texture.
- Chilled coconut milk from a can (1 tbsp): The thick cream adds a gorgeous, silky smoothness to the base layer.
- Medjool dates (12, pitted): Naturally sweet and sticky, they form the heart of the caramel layer.
- Maple syrup (¼ cup): Sweetens and balances the caramel’s flavor perfectly with a gentle maple undertone.
- Coconut oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve that glossy finish and perfect set in the chocolate coating.
- Vegan-friendly chocolate (240g): The crowning glory, enveloping each bar in rich, melted goodness.
How to Make Vegan Mars Bars Recipe
Step 1: Create the Almond Base
Start by adding the blanched almonds, coconut sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to a food processor. Blitz these until you get a fine crumb, which will give your bars that delightful crunch. Next, add in the almond butter, vanilla extract, and cacao powder, pulsing the mixture for about a minute so everything blends into a cohesive dough. Finally, pour in both the coconut milk and that thick cream from the coconut can, blending just long enough for the mixture to come together. This almond base sets the stage for the bars, so getting a smooth yet firm texture is key.
Step 2: Press and Chill the Base
Line a 7 by 11-inch baking dish with parchment paper and press the almond mixture evenly into the bottom using a flat-bottomed glass or your hands. This will form the sturdy foundation for your Vegan Mars Bars Recipe. Place this in the freezer while you whip up the luscious caramel layer; chilling ensures it firms up nicely to support the next components.
Step 3: Whip Up the Vegan Caramel
For the caramel layer, combine all the caramel ingredients—pitted Medjool dates, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut milk, coconut oil, and ½ teaspoon sea salt—in a high-speed blender. Blend these until completely smooth and creamy; the dates lend that classic Mars Bar sweetness with natural depth. This creamy caramel is the signature flavor punch in your tasty creation.
Step 4: Spread and Freeze the Caramel Layer
Evenly spread the freshly blended caramel over the almond base using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform layer. Pop the whole tray into the freezer for at least six hours or overnight if you can wait—that extra patience pays off with perfectly set bars that slice neatly and hold their shape.
Step 5: Coat with Melted Chocolate
When you’re ready, gently melt your vegan-friendly chocolate using a double boiler, taking care not to let it get too hot. You want it just warm enough to melt without melting the bars themselves. Remove the slab from the baking dish and cut it into 14 to 16 bars. Holding each bar on a fork, carefully drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and around the sides. This chocolate shell adds the final decadent touch, sealing in all the gooey goodness.
Step 6: Final Chill and Serve
Place the chocolate-covered bars on parchment paper and return them to the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden perfectly. After this, your Vegan Mars Bars Recipe treats are ready for enjoyment — creamy, crunchy, chocolaty delights that everyone will ask for seconds of.
How to Serve Vegan Mars Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Vegan Mars Bars even more eye-catching and flavor-packed, sprinkle crushed almonds or flaky sea salt on top just after drizzling the chocolate. A dusting of cacao powder or a drizzle of extra maple syrup adds a lovely finishing touch. These little garnishes amplify both texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a refreshing fruit salad or a cup of rich, creamy plant-based coffee for an indulgent afternoon treat. The fresh fruit cuts through the sweetness, while the coffee enhances the chocolatey notes, making the entire experience harmonious and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them as mini bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual party vibe, or neatly stacked in a decorative box as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can even freeze individual bars in small parchment paper wrappers for on-the-go indulgence. Presentation really elevates how special these bars feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm. They typically last up to a week when properly stored, allowing you to enjoy a sweet surprise anytime you want.
Freezing
Vegan Mars Bars hold up wonderfully in the freezer. Place them in a sealed container with parchment layers to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can satisfy Mars Bar cravings without the wait.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove the bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving, as the chocolate can melt unevenly. This gentle thawing preserves their ideal texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds in the base?
Absolutely! Cashews or walnuts work well too, but almonds provide a nice balance of flavor and texture that complements the caramel and chocolate best. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite twist.
What if I don’t have Medjool dates?
Pitted soft dates can be used as a substitute, though Medjool dates give a richer, more caramel-like sweetness that’s hard to beat. If you use other dates, you might want to adjust the maple syrup slightly to achieve the right flavor.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this Vegan Mars Bars Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Since almonds and almond butter are key, nut-free substitutions might alter the texture and taste significantly. However, you could try sunflower seed butter and seeds as an experiment; just be mindful that the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How long do these bars take to set properly?
The key is patience: letting the bars freeze for at least six hours, preferably overnight, ensures they firm up nicely and slice cleanly. Rushing this step can result in a gooey mess, so give your bars the time they deserve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about crafting your own Vegan Mars Bars Recipe from wholesome ingredients, turning a classic treat into a nourishing indulgence. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply want to impress friends with your homemade goodies, these bars deliver joy in every bite. So, why wait? Dive into the kitchen and start making these irresistible bars — your future self will thank you for the sweet reward.
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Print
Vegan Mars Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Mars Bars are a deliciously decadent and healthier twist on the classic candy bar, featuring a crunchy almond base, creamy caramel layer made from dates and almond butter, and a rich vegan chocolate coating. Perfect for a guilt-free treat, these bars require no baking and set in the freezer for a firm, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 ¼ cups blanched almonds
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 5 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1 tbsp chilled coconut milk from a can
Caramel Layer
- 12 medjool dates (pitted)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Chocolate Coating
- 240g vegan-friendly chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the almond base: Add the blanched almonds, coconut sugar, and salt to your food processor and blend until it reaches a fine crumbly texture. This forms the crunchy base of your bars.
- Combine the base ingredients: Add the almond butter, vanilla extract, and cacao powder to the crumb mix. Blend again for about a minute to thoroughly combine the ingredients into a smooth dough-like mixture.
- Add coconut milk: Incorporate both the regular coconut milk and the chilled thick coconut milk from the can into the mix. Blend for approximately 30 seconds until everything is well blended and holds together.
- Shape the base layer: Line a 7-inch by 11-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the almond mixture evenly into the base using the bottom of a flat glass. Place this in the freezer while you prepare the caramel layer.
- Make the caramel layer: Into a high-speed blender, add the pitted medjool dates, sea salt, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut milk, and coconut oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, resembling caramel in texture.
- Spread the caramel: Evenly spread the caramel mixture over the almond base layer using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform layer.
- Freeze to set: Place the layered slab back in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to firm up completely.
- Melt the chocolate: Using a double boiler, gently melt the vegan-friendly chocolate. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to avoid melting the bars when coating.
- Cut the bars: Remove the firmed slab from the baking dish and cut it into 14 to 16 evenly sized bars.
- Coat with chocolate: Hold each bar on a fork and spoon the melted chocolate over the top and sides, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Set the chocolate coating: Place the chocolate-coated bars on parchment paper and return them to the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
Notes
- Use chilled coconut milk cream from the top of the can for a richer and thicker base texture.
- Medjool dates should be soft and fresh for easier blending into a smooth caramel layer.
- Store finished bars in the freezer as they melt quickly at room temperature.
- You can substitute almond butter with other nut butters if preferred, but this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- Ensure the chocolate is vegan-friendly if strictly adhering to vegan diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
