Decadent Vegan Chocolate Mint Crunch Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Vegan Chocolate Mint Crunch Bars, a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of dark chocolate and refreshing mint. This irresistible dessert was created with love for my son, who has egg and dairy allergies, yet it's so rich and satisfying that even non-vegans will be racing for seconds! A perfect harmony of crunchy Oreos, crispy Rice Krispies, and creamy coconut oil, these bars are delectable and moreish. They're best enjoyed in small squares, making them a perfect shareable treat for parties, potlucks, or a sweet evening at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dark chocolate
150 g (broken into squares)
soya chocolate
150 g (broken into squares)
coconut oil
150 g (melted)
golden syrup
200 g (none)
mint extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Oreo biscuits
154 g (crushed)
Rice Krispies
40 g (none)
mint cremes
100 g (none)
vegan butter
for greasing (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by breaking the dark chocolate and soya chocolate into small squares and place them in a glass bowl.
2
Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water to create a double boiler effect. Stir the chocolate gently as it melts until smooth and fully combined.
3
Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the melted coconut oil and golden syrup, blending until well incorporated.
4
Grease and line a 12 x 9-inch baking tin with parchment paper for easy removal. In the prepared tin, combine the crushed Oreos, Rice Krispies, and mint cremes. You can choose to either mix these ingredients together or layer them for a visually appealing effect.
5
Carefully pour the warm chocolate mixture over the combined dry ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Gently jiggle the tin to help distribute the chocolate mixture throughout.
6
Transfer the baking tin to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight to allow the bars to set properly.
7
Once set, remove from the fridge, lift out of the tin using the parchment paper, and cut into small squares. Enjoy your deliciously rich and crunchy bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Vegan Chocolate Mint Crunch Bars?
They are a rich, no-bake dessert made with dark and soya chocolate, mint extract, crushed Oreos, and Rice Krispies for a refreshing and crunchy treat.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe, including the chocolate, biscuits, and fats, are plant-based.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. It uses coconut oil and vegan-friendly chocolates, making it completely dairy-free.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
No, this recipe is entirely egg-free, making it safe for those with egg allergies.
What type of chocolate is used in these bars?
The recipe calls for a combination of 150g dark chocolate and 150g soya chocolate.
What is soya chocolate?
Soya chocolate is a vegan alternative to milk chocolate that uses soya milk solids instead of dairy.
Can I substitute the coconut oil?
While coconut oil helps the bars set firmly, you could use a high-quality vegan block butter as a substitute.
What is golden syrup and why is it used?
Golden syrup is a thick amber sugar syrup that adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together for a chewy texture.
Can I replace golden syrup with something else?
You can try using agave nectar or maple syrup, though the bars may be slightly softer in consistency.
Are Oreos actually vegan?
Most standard Oreo biscuits are vegan-friendly, but always check the packaging for your specific region to ensure there is no milk cross-contamination.
Can I use a different type of biscuit?
Yes, any crunchy chocolate sandwich biscuit or even plain digestive biscuits can be used as a substitute for Oreos.
What are mint cremes?
Mint cremes are soft-centered mint chocolates that add extra bursts of peppermint flavor and texture to the bars.
How do I melt the chocolate safely?
The best method is using a double boiler: place a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until smooth.
What size baking tin is required?
A 12 x 9-inch baking tin is the recommended size for these ingredients.
Do I need to bake these chocolate mint bars?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that sets entirely in the refrigerator.
How long do the bars need to chill?
They need at least 3 hours in the fridge, but chilling them overnight is recommended for the best results.
Can I speed up the chilling process in the freezer?
You can place them in the freezer for about 1 hour to speed things up, but moving them to the fridge afterward ensures a better final texture.
How should I cut the bars for serving?
Once fully set, lift them out using the parchment paper and use a sharp knife to cut them into small, bite-sized squares.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from softening.
Can I freeze the Vegan Chocolate Mint Crunch Bars?
Yes, they freeze very well. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly or kept in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, they are not gluten-free because Oreos and some Rice Krispies contain gluten/barley.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the Oreos with gluten-free chocolate biscuits and use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would make a delicious addition to the crunch mixture.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a firm, snappy chocolate coating with a very crunchy interior from the biscuits and cereal.
Why didn't my bars set properly?
This usually happens if the chocolate mixture wasn't chilled long enough or if the ratio of syrup/oil to chocolate was too high.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger, so use only a few drops rather than a full teaspoon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Depending on how small you cut the squares, a 12x9 tin typically yields 24 to 30 servings.
Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, kids love the combination of chocolate and mint, though the richness means small portions are best.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
You can use vegan milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, less intense flavor than dark chocolate.
What makes the bars 'crunchy'?
The crunch comes from the combination of crushed Oreo biscuits and Rice Krispies cereal mixed into the chocolate.