Calling all chocoholics! Yes, it is a real word! I double checked. It means “excessively fond of chocolate.”
Like who isn’t, lol!
For me, sweets equate to chocolate. There is somewhat of a positive twist about that statement and my little chocolate obsession. If it is not chocolate, I just do not waste my time or calories on it. It is kind of a built-in discipline system. I avoid all other desserts and treats. That is the good part; the bad part is that I REALLY LOVE chocolate! Who is with me?
A month without chocolate!
If only I could be as disciplined with my chocolaty treats as I am with literally everything else! I think I will journal a little challenge for myself and share it in a blog. I will do a whole month of not eating anything chocolate. I will not start right now, though because I do want to share this recipe with you, and it would not be much fun if I could not eat it once I made it! (so, next month…maybe?!)
Well, regardless, this is at least a healthy version of a chocolate treat – so healthy, I might just call it a snack?! Thoughts??!!
Treat or Snack?
But in all seriousness, I do work really hard at finding treats that have nutritional value. It is important to me to role model for my daughter healthy eating and even more intense – a healthy relationship with food. I grew up in a, “eat everything on your plate” house and I have always struggled with listening to my body when it comes to eating. I want my daughter to have a strong understanding of nutrition and how food affects her body. She knows that she can enjoy treats, and treats can be healthy and still taste amazing! And that is what this recipe is!
Condensed milk!
These layer bars may remind you of the much less healthy 7-layer bar version. If you like those, then these are great substitutions. You can add in more layers, even making the shredded coconut more of a layer instead of topping. One of the biggest differences from those really bad layer bars is that we are absolutely skipping the condensed milk.
OMG! I used to totally LOVE those bars and never thought twice about the condensed milk! Have you ever looked at the nutritional information of condensed milk? No offense Nestle, but one (14 ounce) can has 5,200 calories and 880 grams of sugar. What?!? So now, lucky for me, it is impossible to enjoy that old 7-layer bar recipe because I just cannot get past that label!
And, honestly, once you try this healthier version, you will never look back. I make a batch and then keep them in the fridge. They keep really well and are perfect if you have a craving. The recipe has no refined sugar and is gluten free. They even work if you are headed off to a friend’s house or the like and need to bring something with you.
Okay, enough of me spouting about these treats and my love of chocolate! It is totally time to make a sweet and healthy treat!
Cookie Layer Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups old fashioned extra thick gluten free rolled oats. I like Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Gluten Free Oats
1 cup almond flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup apple sauce
2 tsp vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Layer:
1 cup peanut butter
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
Chocolate layer:
12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Topping:
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (more if you decide to make this a layer instead of a sprinkled topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9″ X 13″ baking dish with a reusable baking mat. First prepare the cookie layer. Using a stand mixer mix together all cookie layer ingredients. I love my KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Once mixed, press the dough evenly to create a bottom layer in the baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden.
While the cookie layer bakes, melt all the peanut butter layer ingredients except the walnuts in a double boiler. Pour the peanut butter layer over the cookie layer and spread the walnuts evenly across the top. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Once the peanut butter layer is firm, melt the chocolate. I prefer to use double boiler to melt the chocolate but you can also microwave it. Just do it at short intervals stirring in between. Once it is fully melted, spread the chocolate mix over the peanut butter layer. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and refrigerate. After about 15 minutes I remove it from the fridge and cut my squares.
I keep the bars in the fridge and snack on them whenever I need my chocolate fix.
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on a product or service, and decide to purchase it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All recommended products and services are based on my positive experience with them.
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