With a chewy, nutty base and topped with thick chocolate, these gluten-free peppermint patty bars are always a hit around the holidays! With zero baking required, they're the perfect dairy-free to whip up and save you some kitchen time.
Loaded with sweet, peppermint indulgence and topped with a crunchy salted chocolate. These healthy peppermint patty bars are somewhere between a trail mix cookie and a brownie.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I actually make them all year round and just omit the peppermint. The kids love them and being that they're made with wholesome ingredients, so do I!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthy: These dessert bars are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, and are loaded with healthy fats.
Make ahead: You can make these bars up to two weeks in advance and store them in the freezer to save you time when you need it.
Versatile: Go for the full peppermint flavor or customize the bars for a different occasion.
Expert Tips To Make Them
To keep the recipe dairy-free you need to use Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips. You'll also want to make sure to confirm your oats are gluten-free as many aren't. Learn more about types of oats.
If you like a chewier texture, don't grind the oats and nuts as much. If you prefer it smoother, grind until mostly flour.
The better you press the bars into the pan, the better they're held together.
Store: the gluten-free peppermint patty bars in the freezer with layers of parchment paper between if needed. They will last up to one month. When you need them, let them sit on the counter for 10-30 minutes prior to serving.
How To Make Them
- In a food processor, roughly grind the oats and nuts until desired texture.
- Combine the nut mixture and remaining dry ingredients.
- Melt together the coconut oil and honey.
- Add it to the dry ingredients with the almond milk.
- Portion it into a lined, 8x8 baking pan and press it down firmly.
- Melt the coconut oil and chocolate chips over low heat.
- Mix in the remaining topping ingredients.
- Pour the chocolate over the no-bake bars.
- Top the mixture with crushed almonds, coconut, or candy canes and return it to the freezer for 30-60 minutes to set.
Topping The Bars
As mentioned, these gluten-free peppermint patty bars can be made into anything you like. Some of our favorite toppings are below and with each one, the flavor and occasion can change.
Nnuts: Crushed nuts are a general topping and add a great texture.
Coconut: Large flaked coconut gives almost a snowball look to the bars.
Sprinkles: Fun for any birthday just omit the peppermint flavoring.
Candy canes: A Christmas classic and a great one to bump up the color of the peppermint patty bars!
Other Dairy and Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate almond flour cookies
- Chocolate peppermint fudge
- Paleo donuts
- Slow cooker paleo hot chocolate
Gluten-Free Peppermint Patty Bars
Video
Ingredients
For The Bars
- 2 cups oats
- ⅔ cups almonds
- 1.5 cup cashews
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- ¼ cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- ⅓ cup coconut oil measured solid
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
For The Chocolate Topping
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil measured solid
- ¾ cup chocolate chips mini or chunks
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1.5 teaspoons peppermint extract
Instructions
The Base
- Grind the oats and nuts in a food processor until your desired texture is reached.
- Combine the nut mixture and remaining dry ingredients.
- Melt together the coconut oil and honey.
- Add it into the dry ingredients with the almond milk. It will look wet and hold together if pressed.
- Portion it into a lined, 8x8 baking pan and press it down firmly.
- Place in the freezer as you prepare the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Melt the coconut oil and chocolate chips over low heat.
- Mix in the remaining topping ingredients.
- Pour the chocolate over the no-bake bars and use a silicone spatula to even it out. It hardens quickly so move fast.
- Top the mixture with crushed almonds, coconut, or candy canes and return it to the freezer for 30-60 minutes to set.
- Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing into bars. Then, return them to the freezer until you're ready to enjoy them.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
hal says
healthy & require no baking - this is too good to be true - what a great indulgence for the holidays but you're still staying in control - love it!
Gloria Harvley says
I'm not a peppermint fan at all but I have to say they look good!
Kelly says
These look so good! I need to try these out for the Holidays
Cori - Sweet Coralice says
Nom, Nom indeed! These look like the perfect little winter snack 🙂
Shelby S says
Even though there's a bit of work on these they're worth it. Blend of flavors is delicious.