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With Salt and Wit

Laugh Often. Eat Well.

50 December 18, 2017 Allergy Friendly

No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars {Gluten Free, Vegan}

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

Hi there! I am back! And with so many feelings.

So many good feelings.

But first, how are you? Tell me your exciting news! Did your kids head back to school? Did you take a last vacay to savor the last days of summer? A big BBQ with friends and music blaring? Tell me. Tell me. Tell me!

Last month, when I decided to take a break, my feelings and thoughts were all over the place. My health was at its lowest point. And my desire to even pull myself together to leave the house each day was sparse. Despite all that, I had to pull myself together for my little guy. He was depending on a strong mama.

Fast forward a month and I cannot put into words how much has changed! First up, over the past two months, I have removed all the foods that were triggering reactions – extreme fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, brain fog just to name a few. Slowly, but surely, my energy came back, my mood is more optimistic. And my desire to get back in the kitchen is sky high! Hallelujah!

Hence these bars. We all win!

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

One thing that I noticed over the last month was my love of feeding myself real food again. How real food nourishes and energizes you! I have always loved feeding my body real food, but over the past few years, as my health was up and down, it didn’t matter what I ate as everything made me feel awful. There was no rhythm or rhyme. Therefore, I am sorry to all my followers as I ping-ponged around with my recipes. I was trying to be honest and give you recipes that we were eating in our kitchen. But looking back at all the recipes, there are few things similar to those recipes.

With all of that, I have a clear vision. I see a path for this blog, finally! From the beginning, With Salt and Wit has been a blog devoted to uncomplicated cooking. And that will never change. I will continue to bring you seasonal recipes that are easy to prepare, use minimal ingredients, and are anything but plain. While I work my way through my food sensitivities, I have found a joy in creating allergy-friendly recipes, with no second guesses from my husband! While I don’t focus on one specific diet, most of my recipes will focus on allergy free cooking – gluten free, dairy free, or egg free, etc – but all recipes remain healthy and are insanely delicious.

After all this time, I want to thank you, my readers, for sticking around and joining me here each week! I promise you all recipes moving forward will feed our heart, mind, and soul!

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

What better way to get back in the swing of things than with these insanely delicious No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars? Guys, I don’t say things like this very often, but these are EASILY my favorite dessert here on the blog. Whoa. While I was devouring my fourth or fifth bar, I told my husband these are my top pick, he was even shocked! He said that is pretty big for me.

What does that mean for you? That these healthy chocolate oatmeal bars are one killer recipe you have to run to your kitchen to make. Not only are they no bake, they only require NINE ingredients, sweetened with only natural sugars and pulled together with oats. Making for one killer simple oatmeal bar recipe.

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

The base layer is nutty oats mixed with dates, applesauce, cinnamon, and vanilla. The base is actually modified from my toffee caramel ice cream cake. I remember how I couldn’t stop eating the crust, so I knew I had to revisit that recipe. And an added bonus? It tastes like cookie dough!

The middle layer is silky and fudgy. I am lucky any made it into the bars. My spoon just kept going back for more. Cocoa powder mixed with melted coconut oil and maple syrup is all you need. Shocked how simple it is? Yup, I am too!

Then the best part…the ooey, gooey caramel. This is again, a magical three ingredient wonder. If you thought caramel could only be made with melted butter and sugar, get ready to be amazed! I fell in love with this caramel when I made this skillet caramel blondie and have been loving it ever since.

Can we all raise a glass, er I mean bar, to these ooey, gooey and secretly healthy no bake caramel chocolate bars! Coming in at only 150 calories means there is room for seconds!

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 wholesome ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

meal prep tips:

  1. these bars taste great refrigerated! They hold great when sealed in an airtight container, chilled. Feel free to make these bars up to 5 days in advance.

  2. If wanting to make the dough but not assemble, make the dough ahead of time. Store in an airtight container, then assemble as directed. I do not suggest making the caramel sauce or chocolate sauce ahead of time as it will set and become hard once cooled.

  3. these no bake chocolate oat bars are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges! So double or triple the batch and hand them out around the holidays! Everyone will love how they are healthier and won’t feel bad about indulging in a couple!

No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars

These No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars come together with only 9 ingredients and are refined sugar-free! They have a cookie dough-like crust, fudge chocolate, salted caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, all for only 150 calories!

30 minPrep Time

3 hrCook Time

3 hr, 30 Total Time

Yields 12

Author:

Megan

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Ingredients

    Base:
  • 1 1/2 cup gluten-free oats
  • 1 cups pitted Medjool dates (168 grams)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Chocolate Layer:
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Caramel Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Crust: In a 9x5 loaf pan, line it with plastic wrap. Sticky side attached to pan. This will make getting the bars out when it’s chilled much easier. (I speak from experience.) Set aside.
  2. In a high-powered blender, add the dates, oatmeal, applesauce, vanilla and cinnamon. Process until the dates start to break down and the mixture starts to come together, like a stiff dough.
  3. Add the 3/4 of the dough to the lined pan. Press to cover the bottom in an even layer. Set aside.
  4. Chocolate: In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Pour over oatmeal crust. Smooth out evenly. Place in freezer for 30 minutes. Whisk the chocolate filling ingredients in a small mixing bowl until smooth. Pour over crust.
  5. Caramel: Meanwhile, add the coconut oil, almond butter. And maple syrup to a blender. Process until smooth. Once chocolate filling is somewhat set, pour the caramel evenly over crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Sprinkle with sea salt.
  6. Place in freezer and chill for 2 or more hours. Cut into 12 bars and enjoy!

Notes

*The cook time refers to the chill time needed for the bars to set. *Best if stored in fridge. *Base modified from my Toffee Caramel Ice Cream Cake *Bars inspired by Pinch of Yum

7.8.1.2
367
https://withsaltandwit.com/no-bake-salted-caramel-chocolate-oat-bars-gluten-free-vegan/

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If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #WITHSALTANDWIT. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

50

Categories: Allergy Friendly

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julia says

    August 24, 2016 at 9:18 am

    Welcome back, m'dear! So happy to hear you're feeling better - it's so important to take time off and rearrange when you're not feeling well - it sounds like you got so much out of your break, and I'm happy to hear you've nailed down your food sensitivities. THESE bars look Ah-mazing! I love that they only require nine ingredients and are healthful...my mouth is doing some serious salivating over here!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 24, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      Awe!! Thank you SO much Julia! I really appreciate it :) Glad to be back!
      Reply
  2. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

    August 24, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Well, hello there No Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Oat Bars. Come to mama!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 24, 2016 at 4:10 pm

      I will gladly share with you! Thanks Dorothy!
      Reply
  3. Jessica | The Novice Chef says

    August 24, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    No bake, delicious, and healthy?! Sign me uo! Cannot wait to make these!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 24, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks, Jessica! Healthy eating isn't hard when they are filled with salted caramel and chocolate, right?!
      Reply
  4. Dee says

    August 24, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    These bars look absolutely delicious! I'm trying to clean up our eating, so I'll have to try these.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 24, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      Oh I hope you enjoy them! Thanks Dee!
      Reply
  5. carrie @ frugal foodie mama says

    August 25, 2016 at 7:13 am

    Good for you for realizing that you needed a break and needed to make some changes! :) And these bars look divine! I mean, how can you possibly go wrong with that flavor combo??
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 25, 2016 at 8:08 am

      Oh thank you so much, Carrie! That means a lot!
      Reply
  6. Krista says

    August 25, 2016 at 9:30 am

    If these are your start to new recipes then I cannot wait to see what else you do! These look amazing!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 26, 2016 at 9:08 am

      Why thank you Krista! There are some good ones coming!
      Reply
  7. Katerina @ diethood .com says

    August 25, 2016 at 10:50 am

    These bars look absolutely incredible!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 26, 2016 at 9:08 am

      Thanks so much Katerina!
      Reply
  8. Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says

    August 26, 2016 at 7:04 am

    So glad your feeling better! There is seriously no better way to celebrate good health than with these bars! So many amazing flavors all in one!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 26, 2016 at 8:33 am

      Awe thanks so much Bethany! I really appreciate it!
      Reply
  9. Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says

    August 26, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    Love, love, love everything about these beautiful bars!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 30, 2016 at 8:51 am

      Why thank you Lauren!
      Reply
  10. Brittany says

    August 27, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    These look amazing!! I will be trying this recipe!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 28, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks so much Brittany! I hope you all love them!
      Reply
  11. Hillary says

    August 30, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Would maple peanut butter or another nut butter work here?
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 31, 2016 at 7:23 am

      Hi Hillary, the recipe will work for sure but I can't verify the flavor will still be caramel like as I have not tried it with maple peanut butter. I bet it would still be delicious!
      Reply
  12. Malinda @Countryside Cravings says

    August 31, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    Glad you are back and feeling better!! These bars, OH MY GOSH, they look AMAZING!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 3, 2016 at 8:11 am

      Awe thank you so much Malinda! Hope you are well!
      Reply
  13. Teddi says

    September 24, 2016 at 9:55 am

    These look delicious! I have a sensitivity to dates...is there a substitution for those (doesn't have to be vegan). Thanks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 25, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      Hi, Teddi! Why thank you...I have not tried any substitutions but I did google a few. I see that some people have used dried prunes or figs in its place. Maybe you could try those? It is essentially be used for its binding ability and sweet flavor. Hope that helps!
      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    August 15, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    So happy you ate back and feeling good. I can relate and have been there and so proud you are putting yourself first through all of this and staying true to who you are through the changes. Cannot wait to try these bars, and could really usr one right now. Health & Happiness, Sarah
    Reply
    • Meg says

      August 17, 2017 at 6:04 am

      Oh thank you Sarah!
      Reply
  15. Maria says

    September 7, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    I hesitate to post this because it makes this sweets loving girl sound like a picky, food snob.... of which I most certainly am not! But at the suggestion of my doctor, I have been cutting out gluten, dairy, and a few other things whenever possible as a means of combatting premature arthritis (Do i still cheat? YES!). So something with the words: Vegan and Gluten free AND Caramel and Chocolate are music to my sweets loving ears! These look beyond incredible!!!!!! I'm "snack mom" tomorrow. And THESE are happening! Because lets face it, I am selfish as heck and want to eat the treat too! ;) I know it would increase the fat content, but thoughts on adding some unsweetened coconut flakes to the crust? It would be almost like the magic bars of childhood, but betttttter!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 11, 2017 at 6:42 am

      I feel ya! So glad you have found a dessert you can have ;) As for adding coconut flakes, you can try but you may need more liquid to make up for the dry ingredient. I would just look for a 'dough' consistency when making it. Hope that helps!
      Reply
  16. Emmanuel says

    November 7, 2017 at 10:05 am

    I was looking for a recipe that does not require me to use the oven (because I do not own one yet) and I bumped into your recipe. Blame my sweet tooth but I instantly took a liking to your recipe (gluten-free, because!!) and tried it and guess what! It came out brilliant. Although I kept it for a bit longer to freeze, the bars were harder than I expected. So I let them cool off a bit and it was perfect! A few more tries maybe, and I'll be a champion at this recipe, Megan. Thanks and good luck!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 16, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      Oh so glad to hear that! Thanks!!
      Reply
  17. khustar noorani says

    October 2, 2019 at 6:19 am

    This recipe looks amazing !! I will try to make this recipe. Thank you for sharing this recipe . thanks again
    Reply

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Hi There!

I'm Megan! A wife, mama and have a serious love of nutritious, time-saving meals with a knack for meal prep hacks. I crave simple, wholesome and balanced meals with a bit of humor on the side! Welcome to my kitchen. Read More…

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