Vegan Payday Freezer Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Maximize your gustatory payoff with minimal output. Inspired by the chewy, crunchy combination of salted peanuts rolled in caramel, this chillier rendition tastes like a million bucks, looks like a nut-studded bar of gold, yet demands zero confectionery expertise. Now you can indulge your sweet tooth without cashing in your whole paycheck. (Please note that the Prep time is hands on time only. Allow time for the bars to chill.)
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
  • 2 cups dry roasted, lightly salted peanuts, divided
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups plain dairy-free milk beverage, divided
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (can sub cornstarch)
  • 1 tablespoon dairy-free buttery spread or coconut oil
Instructions
  1. Line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly grease. Spread out half of the peanuts evenly on the bottom and set aside.
  2. Place the sugar and ¼ cup of the milk beverage in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Stir once to combine, and then keep your spatula out of it to prevent the mixture from crystalizing during this part of the process. Rather, gently swirl the pan to mix the contents.
  3. Cook gently to caramelize the sugar, swirling frequently, until sugar turns mahogany brown in color. Pour in an additional ¾ cup of the milk beverage, swirling to incorporate, followed by the salt and peanut butter. Whisk vigorously until smooth.
  4. Separately, whisk together the remaining cup of milk with the tapioca starch, beating out any and all clumps. Pour this loose slurry into the pot and whisk constantly until the entire mixture has significantly thickened. Immediately remove from the heat, add the buttery spread or oil, and whisk until it has fully melted in.
  5. Cool to room temperature and gently dollop spoonfuls of the filling over the layer of peanuts in your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top and gently pat in to adhere. Place on a flat surface in your freezer until fully set; at least 4 hours, and ideally overnight.
  6. Pull out the full sheet of bars, using the foil as a sling, and cut into single-serving sized rectangles. Serve right away, or wrap individually in fresh squares of foil and stash back in the freezer for future snack attacks.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 bar Calories: 255 Fat: 16.1g Saturated fat: 2.5g Sugar: 18.2g Sodium: 150mg Fiber: 2.5g Protein: 7.3g
Recipe by Go Dairy Free at https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/vegan-payday-freezer-bars