Gluten-Free Peppermint Cocoa Crunch Bar

Indulge in the perfect balance of festive flavor and satisfying crunch with these Gluten-Free Peppermint Cocoa Crunch Bars! Made with wholesome gluten-free rolled oats, nutty almond butter, and a luscious layer of melted dark chocolate, these no-fuss bars are a decadent treat for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking. A hint of peppermint extract and a sprinkling of crushed peppermint candies deliver a refreshing twist, while cocoa powder and shredded coconut enhance the rich, chocolaty base. These bars come together in just 30 minutes of prep and baking time with the help of pantry-friendly ingredients like maple syrup and coconut oil. Perfectly chewy and topped with a delightful candy crunch, they embody holiday cheer in every bite. Whether you're accommodating gluten-free diets or simply craving a seasonal treat, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Gluten-free rolled oats
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
• 0.75 cup Cocoa powder
• 0.5 cup Coconut oil
• 0.5 cup Maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract
• 0.5 cup Almond butter
• 1 cup Dark chocolate chips (gluten-free)
• 0.25 cup Crushed peppermint candies (gluten-free)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free rolled oats, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder until well combined.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and almond butter. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a flat spatula to firmly press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

Step 7

While the base is cooling, melt the gluten-free dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 8

Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the baked base using a spatula.

Step 9

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the chocolate layer.

Step 10

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is set.

Step 11

Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 equal pieces and serve.

Step 12

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(890.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4485.6

Total Fat 295.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 168.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 46.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 448.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 69.7g	0%
Total Sugars 277.9g
Protein 73.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 649.4mg	0%
Iron 34.4mg	0%
Potassium 3323.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.0%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 37.8%