Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. These bars combine rich cookie dough, creamy caramel, and luscious chocolate peanut butter for a dessert that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these bars will impress everyone. Plus, they are entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies. With their delightful layers and textures, these Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet cookie dough, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
• Plant-Based Ingredients: Made with vegan-friendly components, so everyone can indulge without worry.
• Batch-Friendly: Easily double the recipe for bigger gatherings or meal prep.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 inch baking pan: This size is ideal for creating perfectly portioned dessert bars.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out the bars once baked.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars:

For the Cookie Dough Layer

• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• 2 tbsp vegan creamer (we prefer oat or soy)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup vegan butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp nondairy milk
• 1 cup flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup nondairy mini chocolate chips

For the Caramel Layer

• 18-20 chocolate sandwich cookies

For the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

• 1 cup nondairy chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter

How to Make Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

• Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make serving easier.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and vegan butter until smooth.
2. Add in the vegan creamer, salt, and vanilla; mix well.
3. Gradually add in brown sugar, followed by nondairy milk.
4. Stir in flour and mini chocolate chips until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

• Press half of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan evenly.
• Layer with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies on top.

Step 4: Add Caramel and Remaining Dough

• Spread your choice of caramel over the cookie layer (if using store-bought caramel).
• Crumble remaining cookie dough on top for a final layer.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if required. Bake according to your oven’s specifications until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Drizzle with melted chocolate peanut butter if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars!

How to Serve Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging on your own, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Add a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream on top of the bar for a creamy contrast. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work great!

Drizzled with Extra Chocolate

• Drizzle some melted nondairy chocolate over the bars for an extra chocolaty touch. This makes them even more decadent and visually appealing.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a fruity twist. The tartness complements the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

Paired with Nut Milk

• Enjoy these bars with a glass of almond or oat milk. The creamy texture enhances the rich flavors of the vegan cookie dough caramel bars.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include them in a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies or fruit tarts. This makes for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

Making Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars is easy, but following these tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your vegan butter and creamer to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly for a better texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill before cutting: Let the bars cool completely in the fridge before slicing. Chilling helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or additional chocolate chips on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

If you’re looking to complete your dessert experience, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars.

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds a tropical flair and softness to each bite.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.

3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats offer a fun way to enjoy fruit while complementing the chocolate in the bars.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: Creamy chia pudding made with almond milk offers a nutritious counterpoint and is easy to prepare ahead of time.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: A smoothie made with banana and peanut butter is creamy and delicious, pairing well with the rich flavors of the bars.

6. Vegan Coffee Cake: A slice of moist vegan coffee cake brings warmth and comfort, making it an inviting addition alongside your dessert selection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars, it’s easy to slip up. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Incorrect measurements can lead to texture issues.
• Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush this step! Chilling the bars helps them set properly, ensuring they hold together when cut.
• Using the wrong type of vegan butter: Make sure to choose a high-quality vegan butter for the best flavor and consistency in your bars.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookie dough tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Ignoring storage instructions: Proper storage is key to keeping your bars fresh. Follow guidelines to maintain their taste and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
• Microwave: Heat one bar for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet on low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars.

What are Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars?

These bars are a delicious combination of cookie dough, caramel, and chocolate. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while being completely plant-based.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. Just ensure they are dairy-free if you’re keeping it vegan.

How do I customize my Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap out peanut butter for almond butter for a unique twist.

Are these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Cookie Dough Caramel Bars are not only indulgent but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or snack, these bars are sure to delight anyone who tries them!