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    Salted Plains » Recipes » Cookies & Bars

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    Published: Feb 27, 2015 · Modified: Jul 22, 2017 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 40 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Rich, decadent, German Chocolate Cookie Bars made with whole-grain almond flour and coconut flours for a healthy treat. Gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free. 

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com

    It's hard to believe I started this blog a year ago this week. At the time, I was feeling exhausted and run down, and it wasn't for several months later that I figured out the reason for that.

    I assumed my schedule was to blame, and I wanted something totally separate from my day-to-day that would not only give me a creative outlet but would force me to continue to learn and connect with others.

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com

    It has been a gradual process, this space, and very much continues to be. Finding my voice, figuring my way around a camera, trying not to get too discouraged after several failed attempts at a recipe. It would be so much easier if I just could use flour with gluten. 

    In working on this post, I was reminded of how this space has provided me with the balance that I needed. I talk with my students and athletes a lot about balance, and what that used to mean for me is something much different now.

    I used to think achieving balance was strictly related to the way we booked ourselves throughout the week. But as I am learning, it also involves the food I eat, how essential quiet downtime is for me, and the importance of spending time with close friends.

    Where was the book Quiet when I was in my early 20s? Definitely changed the way I perceive what I need and that it is okay to make choices that work towards a better, healthier, happier way of being.

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.comAnd so to ring in another year in my little corner, and all in the name of balance, of course,  I present to you these German chocolate cookie bars.

    Using my favorite grain-free cookie base of almond and coconut flours, I added unsweetened cocoa powder, dairy-free chocolate chips, pecans, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Sweetened with maple syrup, it is a chocolatey treat without being overly sweet.

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.comStay warm, bake some bars, and be well this weekend. As always, thank you for reading.

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com
    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com
    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com
    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com

    Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!

    German Chocolate Cookie Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    These bars are secretly packed with protein and fiber and sweetened only with maple syrup.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 9 servings
    Calories: 463kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup almond flour packed
    • ¼ cup coconut flour packed
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup melted coconut oil cooled
    • ¾ cup maple syrup grade b
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup dairy-free dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 cup pecans chopped
    • ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the bottom and sides of an 8x8 baking pan with coconut oil.
    • In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cooled coconut oil and stir until mixture is evenly incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
    • Spread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle coconut flakes over top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick come out clean. Cover top with a sheet of foil once coconut starts to look toasted (after about 7-8 minutes). Place pan on wire rack to cool.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!
    German Chocolate Cookie Bars #glutenfree #vegan #paleo | saltedplains.com

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Daniel

      February 05, 2019 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      Tessa, I wanted to say thank you for this recipe! I have a few friends that have various dietary restrictions and sometimes they miss out on eating experiences. I search through and try tons of recipes to find a few that are delicious and decadent. These brownies are amazing!! I printed out the recipe and put it in my notebook of favorite recipes!

      Reply
    2. Merritt

      March 31, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      Hi Tessa!

      I recently started to bake, opting for good recipes from scratch. I stumbled on your recipes, I gathered the ingredients, and came home to make these amazing bars! The recipe was easy to follow and it turned out just like the pictures! The coconut makes it look and taste amazing, and my dad is now a fan. I'll definitely be making another one or your desserts tonight!

      Thanks for this amazing find!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 01, 2017 at 10:37 am

        Hi Merritt! I am so happy to hear that. :) The German chocolate cookie bars are one of my faves. I hope you find others here you love too!

        Reply
    3. Mariana

      April 16, 2016 at 6:31 am

      5 stars
      Made this yesterday for a dinner party and everyone loved them!
      Doubled the recipie and made one batch with no coconut flakes for the kids... Absolute hit, Never making brownies again!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 16, 2016 at 6:57 pm

        I am so happy to hear that!!! Glad that everybody loved them! Thank you, Mariana! :)

        Reply
    4. Laura

      March 27, 2016 at 7:28 am

      I have these in the oven now, 28 minutes and they're still wet in the middle! I hope they turn out bc the batter was delish! The only thing I changed was using half butter half coconut oil. Would that matter for bake time? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 27, 2016 at 7:43 am

        Hi Laura! It shouldn't affect it too much, but with oven variations it may take a little longer. I would make sure to lay a sheet of foil over until it looks ready to come out of oven. If it seems like the middle never cooked all the way, you may want to chill the bars after they cool to help with cutting. This would probably also help "fudge" them up!

        Reply
      • Tessa

        March 30, 2016 at 10:04 am

        Hi again, Laura! I had a friend make these this week as well and had a similar problem. I made them last night to see what might be the issue and they came out as they should. We realized she didn't pack her almond and coconut flours when measuring. I'm hoping you were able to salvage yours the other day - but wanted to check in and add that tip in case you make again. I appreciate you trying the recipe!

        Reply
    5. cCourtney

      September 06, 2015 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      We are paleo and have been searching for a paleo,grain free chocolate dessert. These bars are fantastic! Moist,rich chocolate flavor. Quick to make. Any suggestions for making them chewier?

      Reply
      • Tessa

        September 08, 2015 at 2:04 pm

        Thank you, Courtney! I am so glad to hear you all like them! I would suggest possibly underbaking them by a couple minutes for a chewier texture. If you try that and it works, I'd love to know! Thank you again for your kind words.

        Reply
    6. fatcats

      July 07, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks Tessa for your recommendation. I made this again with these suggestion but stayed with the raw honey. I also changed my pan size, for when I made this recipe previously, not realizing I used a 9x9 inch pan, so this time I used the correct size 8x8 inch pan. I have to say these are very delicious. They came out moist, a lot of chocolate flavor and the coconut and nuts added the right touch of crunch. I will file this and make it again and again. I was able to hold off eating these the same day but waited and until the next and they were great.
      Thanks for sharing this recipe...a real find.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        July 10, 2015 at 3:25 am

        I am so happy to hear that! Thank you for getting back to me! :)

        Reply
    7. fatcats

      July 04, 2015 at 10:32 pm

      I ran upon this recipe and had to try them So, today was the day and they were good. I do have a question regarding my execution. I did not realize until I was in the midst of mixing that I did not have two of the items the recipe called for, so I substituted raw honey for the maple syrup and omitted the chocolate chips. My product turned out a little dry and hard.Could substituting and omitting these ingredients be the reason why? I will make them again but I want to see if this could be clarified.
      I really like your blog . Thanks.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        July 05, 2015 at 4:08 pm

        Thanks so much for your kind words! Honey does tend to brown up faster than maple syrup, so usually a shorter bake time or reducing the oven temp to 325 and baking a tad bit longer will help. Chocolate chips will add a moistness and gooey-ness to it, but if you aren't using them I think underbaking these bars a little wouldn't hurt. Thanks again for stopping by!

        Reply
    8. ZZ

      May 29, 2015 at 12:26 pm

      When do you add the coconut flakes? when the cakes goes in the over or after the toothpick comes out clean?thank you

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 29, 2015 at 1:28 pm

        Good question! Thank you, I just fixed that, I didn't specify in the directions. Sprinkle the flakes over the batter right before you put it in the oven. The flakes should start to brown after about 7 or 8 minutes, so you can lay a sheet of foil over the top at that point to keep from burning. I hope you enjoy the bars!

        Reply
    9. Connie @ Sprig and Flours

      March 12, 2015 at 3:04 am

      Happy belated blog birthday! I know exactly what you mean about the gradual process of food blogging. My blog is turning 1 next month, and I cannot believe how much I've learned in just one year.

      The obstacle you face, having to avoid gluten, makes your blog that much better and even more admirable! A lot of my dear girl friends are gluten free and I always want to spoil them with baked goods. I am so happy to have found your blog, and I'm pretty sure my friends will be too (:

      These german chocolate bars sound and look fantastic. If I could just have a dozen right now...my life would be perfect.

      Also, your photos are beautiful. I love dramatic food photography!!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 14, 2015 at 12:38 pm

        Thank you so much for your kind words, Connie! And congrats on your upcoming one year of blogging as well! It is crazy to think about how many things you learn and discover through this process - makes it so worth it. :)

        Reply
    10. Christine // my natural kitchen

      March 09, 2015 at 12:32 am

      Happy blogging anniversary! :) These look fantastic!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 09, 2015 at 2:34 pm

        Thank you, Christine! :)

        Reply
    11. Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel

      March 06, 2015 at 7:45 pm

      i saved the recipe because this is something worth testing out. they look spectacular!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 08, 2015 at 4:06 pm

        Thanks so much, Kelsey! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    12. Brittaney @ Sips and Snacks

      March 06, 2015 at 3:49 am

      Oh my gosh these look incredible! AND they're vegan and gluten free?! I am so pumped I have all these ingredients on hand right now! I think I'll be surprising my husband with these tomorrow. Great way to start the weekend!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 06, 2015 at 2:17 pm

        Thank you, Brittaney! Yay! I hope you both like them. Happy weekend!

        Reply
        • Brittaney @ Sips and Snacks

          March 10, 2015 at 3:28 am

          Tessa, I wanted to make sure I came back to tell you that I made these, and they were amazing!! I actually made some for a food swap I went to on Sunday. I had some vegan, gluten free, and naturally sweetened cookies I was already planning to take, but I added these to have a second item. Everyone loved them! Thanks!

        • Tessa

          March 10, 2015 at 3:37 pm

          Oh yay!! Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm so happy they were a hit! :)

    13. Sarah Anderson

      March 05, 2015 at 5:50 pm

      YUMMMM! I LOVED this post. I'm going to check out that book you mentioned ~ Quiet? Sounds like something I need for sure!
      See you in the pit in a few hours!!!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 05, 2015 at 7:14 pm

        Yay! Thanks, Sarah! Definitely my favorite book from the last year. You'll have to let me know if you read it. I love to discuss this book! :)

        Reply
    14. Laura @ My Plant Based Kitchen

      March 05, 2015 at 5:36 am

      Three words...looks amazingly delicious. :)

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 05, 2015 at 7:09 pm

        Thank you, Laura! :)

        Reply
    15. Gwen @ Delightful Adventures

      March 03, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      Happy 1 year blogiversary :) I'm only a couple of months into mine, so I totally understand what you mean about finding your voice and learning how to properly harness your camera. I am still working on those things. However, it seems as if you have done a great job. I just discovered your blog today (I LOVE that you do vegan and gluten free recipes!) AND your images are all beautiful! This is a great recipe, I just pinned it, looking forward to reading more from you.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 04, 2015 at 4:10 am

        Thanks so much, Gwen! It's all such a fun, creative process. :) Thank you again for your kind words!

        Reply
    16. Amanda Paa

      March 02, 2015 at 3:40 am

      i'm so glad you started blogging and that we've connected tessa! your work is beautiful, your writing is authentic and your recipes so good.... you can bet i will be making these bars once i'm able to. xo

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 02, 2015 at 2:53 pm

        I'm so very glad we've connected as well!! Thanks so much for your sweet comment - it means a lot! :) I do hope you like these bars, I think they are my new favorite chocolate treat. xo.

        Reply
    17. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

      March 01, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      These are so so so so SO beautiful! No, honestly. They are so beautiful :) Love that they are vegan, I am such a fan of German chocolate and will definitely be making these very soon. Do you think I could use 1 cup of all-purpose flour instead of the almond/coconut?

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 02, 2015 at 2:47 pm

        Thanks so much, Medha! :) I haven't tried it with an all-purpose flour/blend, but I'm afraid it wouldn't work well cup-for-cup due to the differences in weight in the flours. If you experiment with it, I'd love to hear how it worked out!

        Reply
    18. Christina @ Bake with Christina

      February 28, 2015 at 7:58 pm

      Those bars just look SO decadent and delicious! And that's awesome that they're vegan and gluten-free!! Pinned :)

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 01, 2015 at 4:49 pm

        Thanks, Christina! You and I were on the same decadent chocolate wavelength this week! ;)

        Reply
    19. Steph

      February 28, 2015 at 9:54 pm

      Hej hej, I am from Germany and I don't understand what is so german about CHOCOLATE COOKIE BARS ? Do you use any famous german product brands? Or why do you claim them to be German? They look good, by the way.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 01, 2015 at 12:32 am

        Thanks, Steph! Good question! :) These bars were actually a riff on the American German chocolate cake named after the US chocolate maker, Sam German. German chocolate cake traditionally is a chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting.

        Reply

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