Sunday, January 10, 2010

Hello Vegan Bars

One of my very favorite cookies pre-vegan were those Hello Dolly Bars.  I never ever made them, but you know, they always found their way to holiday parties and potluck tables.  Loved them, loved them.  The combination of the buttery caramel (from the condensed milk) combined with the chocolate and slightly salty graham cookie crust.

I got to work last fall with this recipe, and came up with my "Hello Vegan Bars".  (Recipe name open to suggestions, but it kind of works, no?)  In addition to the obvious veganizing of ingredients for these bars, I also made some changes, one of which suits my affection for both sauces and caramel!


As you see in the photos, the caramel layer is quite thick.  And, while it looks a titch drippy in the photo, this is before refrigerating (I simply couldn't wait any longer - neither could hubby!).  After chilling, that caramel layer (made using coconut milk) thickens even more, and is sumptuous.  I also opted out of the graham cracker crust for a more toothsome, satisfying (and healthier) oat and coconut crust.  Topped with pecans, coconut, and chocolate (or carob) chips.  I also didn't have much patience capturing a photo - took it straight after cutting into these babies on the parchment paper.  True cookie pleasure.

17 comments:

Animal-Friendly said...

That caramel is calling my name. These look fantastic!

GF Gidget said...

OMG I need that caramel recipe! Amazing!

Carrie™ said...

Even after the sugar/chocolate overload of Christmas, I WANT/NEED to eat these!
They should be called Hello Dreena Bars.

Cara Sheppard said...

Heavenly!! Can't wait for the recipe!

Laci said...

hi dreena,
I'm sorry I haven't commented for so long I am so busy :P I hope you, your new babe and family are well :) btw these look fantastic!
xo
laci ;)

nora said...

nicely done! they kind of look like the magic coconut bars from the vegan cookies book!

Girl 1 said...

I like the name Goodbye Dolly Bars because from the looks of it, no one will need the non-vegan version once they try your recipe! : )

Dreena said...

Carrie, now, why didn't I think of that??!! I'm going to use that, thanks for the suggestion. I so struggle with recipe names!! xo

Laci, that's kind, and no worries. We are all doing very well, and babe has settled and is just a happy lil' darling! Thanks!

Nora, maybe we've veganized the same recipe? Not sure, I haven't seen that recipe myself, but I'm sure 'Isa' winner (get it? "it's a"). I'll stop now. ;)

Girl 1, hmmmm... I like that too!!

Thanks all!

Josiane said...

Those look absolutely scrumptious! Completely decadent, in a good way. Yum!

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

I've never even heard of Helly Dolly Bars! They sound delicious, though, and my vote is "Hello Dali Bars." ;)

Can't wait for the new book!

Cindy said...

Please post recipe! I have to have those!

Jessica said...

yum! that looks so good!




http://loveallbeings.org/

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

I looove carmel! I'll have to give these a try. Just found your blog and I love it. :)

Michal said...

holy yum!

Allison, The Busy (Happy!) Vegan said...

These look DYNAMITE. Can't wait to try making them myself!

Andrea said...

They look amazing, I've veganized these bars myself with moderate success. Posting the recipe?? PS YOU have SPAM here in the comments, you might want to remove it.