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.