Gooey Vegan Bars Recipe

For the coating:

• 300g vegan dark chocolate
• 4 tablespoons peanut or almond butter

For the coconut cashew layer:

• 1 scoop (30g) Earth Protein in Limited Edition Choc Coconut flavour
• 2 cups (110g) flaked coconut
• 1 cup (130g) roasted cashews
• 1 cup (140g) medjool dates

For the caramel layer:

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk - full fat
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup no added sugar maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 3/4 cup roasted, chopped peanuts

1. Step 1: Line an 8x8inch brownie tin with baking paper.

To make the coating:

1. Step 1: Melt half the vegan chocolate, and stir in half of the nut butter.
2. Step 2: Pour mixture into the base of the lined tin and place in the freezer to set.

To make the coconut/cashew layer:

1. Step 1: Place coconut and cashews in a food processor and blend to form small chunks.
2. Step 2: Add the dates and Earth Protein and process until the texture can be formed into a ball.
3. Step 3: Press the coconut/cashew mixture into the brownie tin on top of the chocolate base and set aside.

To make the caramel layer:

1. Step 1: Place the coconut milk, sugar and maple into a pot.
2. Step 2: Bring to the boil and then turn down to simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until caramel coloured.
3. Step 3: Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes before adding peanut pieces, coconut oil and vanilla. Stir well.
4. Step 4: Pour the caramel layer over the cashew/coconut layer and place in the fridge to set for one hour.

To make the coating:

1. Step 1: Melt the remaining chocolate and stir in the remaining peanut butter.
2. Step 2: Pour over the set caramel layer and return to the fridge to set for one hour.
3. Step 3: Slice with a sharp, hot knife.
4. Step 4: Best stored in the fridge.

Nicole Frain

Formerly working as part of Bulk Nutrients R&D team for many years, Nicole Frain is a food scientist, personal trainer and a professional international cyclist.

She's applied her learnings at the national stage for bodybuilding, and has several qualifications in Food Science, Nutrition and Business!