gluten-free vegan peanut butter chocolate date bars
these gluten-free vegan peanut butter chocolate date bars are the perfect treat for when you’re craving something rich, sweet, and satisfying.
with a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey date caramel filling, and a generous layer of chocolate, they’re an incredibly scrumptious combination of textures and flavors.
here’s everything you need to know about this irresistible dessert.
taste and texture
each bite of these bars offers a balance of flavors: the nutty, slightly sweet shortbread crust; the creamy, caramel-like date filling; and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate topping.
the texture is just as satisfying, with the crispness of the shortbread base complementing the smooth filling and the soft chocolate layer. it’s a treat that’s indulgent yet wholesome.

the shortbread crust
the shortbread crust is made with a mix of almond and oat flour, making it completely gluten-free while maintaining a tender and buttery texture.
the combination of maple syrup, avocado oil, and peanut butter adds richness and flavor without overpowering the overall balance.
it’s baked to perfection, creating a sturdy base that holds the layers together beautifully.
the date caramel filling
for the filling, medjool dates are blended with creamy peanut butter, full-fat coconut milk, and a splash of dairy-free milk to create a luscious caramel-like layer.
it’s naturally sweetened by the dates and perfectly creamy thanks to the coconut milk.
this filling is versatile and can be made with any nut or seed butter you prefer, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

storage tips
these bars are best stored in the fridge or freezer.
in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week, while freezing them ensures they’ll last for up to a month.
to serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly if frozen.
they’re great for meal prep or for keeping on hand when a sweet craving strikes.
why you’ll love them
not only are these bars completely plant-based and gluten-free, but they’re also made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
they’re free of refined sugar, easy to customize with your favorite nut or seed butter, and incredibly satisfying.
whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit.

if you love Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Bars, then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!
Decadent Healthier No Bake Ferrero Rocher Cups
Delicious Cinnamon Apple Cream Cheese Bake
The Best No Bake Healthy Brownies with Cookie Dough Date Caramel
The Best No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake
Healthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Fluffy Apple Rings
Gluten-Free Miso Banana Cake with Cinnamon Frosting (Plant-Based!)
Unreal Plant Based Chocolate Protein Cheesecake
The Ultimate Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Cake
Healthier Vegan and Gluten Free Thin Mint Cookies
No Bake Plant Based Vanilla Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake
Amazingly Vegan and Gluten-Free Flourless Brownies

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Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Bars
Recipe by MaryCourse: Bars, Desserts8
servings15
minutes23
minutesIngredients
ingredients for the shortbread crust:
1 cup almond flour
3/4 cup oat flour (plus more if dough is too wet)
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp avocado oil
1/3 cup runny peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp dairy-free milk (add more as needed if dough is too dry)
ingredients for the filling:
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 cup dairy-free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2–3/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chipsflakey sea salt
Directions
- preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- in a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, avocado oil, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp dairy-free milk. combine almond flour and oat flour. stir well.
- pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. if too dry, add more milk; if too sticky, add a bit more oat flour.
- press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. bake for about 23 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. let cool completely.
- in a food processor, blend medjool dates, peanut butter, coconut milk, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- sprinkle a generous amount of dairy-free chocolate chips over the filling. freeze the bars for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- once set, slice into bars or squares and sprinkle with flakey sea salt. store in the fridge or freezer for longer freshness.



One Response
Hi Mary,
These bars are such a fun twist on the classic chocolate-covered strawberry! I especially love how you layered in both freeze-dried and fresh strawberries—it’s like a double hit of berry goodness in every bite. Also, the almond butter filling sounds like it adds the perfect creamy contrast to the chewy base and that crisp chocolate shell. I can already see these becoming my go-to summer treat (or gift for friends!). Thank you for always combining indulgence with nourishment so beautifully.