Vegan Cookie Dough Bars

Healthy yet incredibly decadent, these Vegan Cookie Dough Bars are made with chickpeas, oats, maple syrup and chocolate.

If you’re looking for a dessert that does not taste healthy but totally is, these Vegan Cookie Dough Bars are perfect! These bars have a soft cookie dough base that is so satisfying, and a thin crispy layer of chocolate for the perfect crunch.

Best of all, my Vegan Cookie Dough Bars are made with clean ingredients, are gluten-free and even contain plenty of protein. The cookie dough base contains chickpeas and absolutely no flour. It’s also sweetened with maple syrup rather than refined sugar. The results are a super yummy dessert that doesn’t make you feel sluggish or heavy afterwards. These dessert bars actually give you energy!

Why to Use Chickpeas in Desserts

You might find it hard to believe but chickpeas are actually a great substitute for flour in many dessert recipes. One of the main pros of using chickpeas in baking is they are filled with nutrients! They are full of protein, fiber, folic acid and manganese, making them a nutritional powerhouse. They’re also a naturally gluten-free flour replacement, perfect for those with a gluten intolerance.

Plus, chickpeas are ideal for creating low-glycemic desserts for people who have diabetes or simply want a healthier option. The fiber content in chickpeas helps stabilize blood sugar and can also lower cholesterol.

Most importantly, chickpeas actually taste good in baking! In my Vegan Cookie Dough Bars the chickpeas take on the sweet flavours perfectly and give a soft slightly chewy texture to the cookie dough base.

Ingredients in This Recipe

Vegan Cookie Dough

• Chickpeas
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda
• Peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
• Coconut oil
• Maple syrup
• Rolled or quick oats
• Vegan chocolate chips (semi sweet and/or white chocolate)

Chocolate Coating

• Chopped vegan semi sweet baking chocolate or chocolate chips
• Coconut oil
• Vegan sprinkles optional (I used Lulubelle & Co Vegan Sprinkles La Vie En Rose which I found at Whole Foods)

How to Make This Recipe

Vegan Cookie Dough

1. Add all cookie dough ingredients except chocolate chips to a food processor (or blend with a hand blender) until very smooth. 

2. Stir in the chocolate chips.

3. Spread the cookie dough into a parchment paper lined 9 X 13 inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

Chocolate Coating

1. Add a couple inches of water to a pot and place a heat resistant bowl on top so it is resting on the edges of the pot, but not touching the water. Heat water on low. Put coconut oil and chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in the bowl, stir often until fully melted.

2. Pour the melted chocolate over the pan of chilled cookie dough and spread it evenly. Chill the bars once more for 3-4 hours.

3. Remove chilled bars from the refrigerator and slice into 8 long bars. Sprinkle with vegan sprinkles (if desired).

Common Questions

Can I use a different bean other than chickpeas?

Yes! White beans will also work in this recipe.

How do I store these bars?

These store best in the freezer. For optimal freshness I suggest keeping any leftovers in an air-tight container in the freezer and simply thaw before eating.

Looking for more vegan dessert recipes? Try my Vanilla & Orange Buttercream Cake!

Vanilla & Orange Buttercream Cake