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Healthy No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

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two healthy no-bake cookie dough bars stacked on top of each other on a baking sheet.

Seriously delicious healthy no-bake cookie dough bars! These bars are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Enjoy as a guilt-free dessert or sweet snack!

healthy no bake cookie dough bars on a baking sheet.

What You’ll Need to Make Healthy No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Almond Flour – Use blanched almond flour for these dessert bars, not almond meal. Blanched almond flour is ground finer and makes for a smoother cookie dough. Looking for more almond flour recipes? Try these!

Peanut or Cashew Butter – Either peanut or cashew butter will work! I used peanut butter because I love the taste. However, cashew butter yields little flavor and works perfectly to hold these no-bake bars together. But whichever you use, make sure it’s both creamy and unsweetened.

Maple Syrup – We use maple syrup in place of traditional refined sugar to keep these healthy cookie dough bars refined sugar-free. The maple syrup in these bars can easily be replaced with honey, or even your favorite sugar-free liquid sweetener for sugar-free cookie dough bars!

Chocolate Chips – I used the Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips to keep these bars vegan/dairy-free, but really any chocolate chip will work! For refined sugar-free chocolate chips, try these date-sweetened Hu chocolate chips.

three healthy no bake cookie dough bars stacked on top of each other.

Tips and Tricks

  • Chill these healthy no-bake cookie dough bars in the freezer for at least one hour before slicing! Don’t rush this step, otherwise the chocolate won’t be fully set.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Avoiding leaving them at room temperature for too long, because the chocolate may melt.
close-up image of a healthy no bake cookie dough bar.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free version of this recipe, replace the almond flour with oat flour. Also, replace the cashew or peanut butter with unsweetened sunflower seed butter!

Make it Paleo: Make paleo cookie dough bars by using unsweetened creamy almond butter in place of the cashew or peanut butter.

Healthy No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars
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Healthy No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Chilling Time

1

minute
Total Time

1

hour

Seriously delicious healthy no-bake cookie dough bars! These bars are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Enjoy as a guilt-free dessert or sweet snack!

Ingredients

  • For the cookie dough layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut or cashew butter, unsweetened

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • pinch of salt

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

  • For the chocolate layer:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips

  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut or cashew butter, unsweetened

Directions

  • Line a 9×5-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Make the cookie dough layer by mixing together the almond flour, peanut or cashew butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Add in the chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Transfer dough to prepared baking pan and press into an even layer.
  • Make the chocolate layer by melting the chocolate chips and peanut or cashew butter in the microwave in 30 second increments. Stir together until smooth, then pour and spread into an even layer on top of the cookie dough.
  • Chill in the freezer for one hour, then remove and slice into squares.

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30 Minutes or Less

3-Ingredient S’mores Dip

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graham cracker being dipped into s'more dip

Super quick and easy 3-ingredient s’mores dip! Melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows, served with graham crackers. Throw together this simple dessert in just 10 minutes!

overhead image of s'mores dip with graham crackers and mini marshmallows on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make S’mores Dip

Chocolate Chips – Either chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar will work here! Layer your chocolate at the bottom of a baking pan, then top with marshmallows. After baking, the chocolate chips will be perfectly melty and delicious.

Marshmallows – I used mini marshmallows in my s’mores dip, but large marshmallows work just as well. Arrange the marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips before baking. Then, bake until the marshmallows are perfectly toasted and golden brown.

Graham Crackers – Serve your s’more dip with graham crackers on the side. Or, if graham crackers aren’t really your thing, serve it with whatever you’d like! For a healthier option, try fresh strawberries and apple slices. I also love serving my dip with these Simple Mills Honey Sweet Thins – they’re gluten-free!

graham cracker being dipped into s'mores dip

Tips and Tricks

  • Like a more well-done s’more? Then bake this dessert dip for a few extra minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking.
  • Jazz up this recipe for your next holiday party! Making s’mores dip for fourth of July? Add a small handful of red, white, and blue sprinkles to the top of your dip right before serving.
  • Store leftover s’mores dip covered, at room temperature, for up to one week. To reheat, simply add back into the oven according to the recipe instructions.
s'mores dip in a small cast iron skillet.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: For a vegan s’more dip, use vegan chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows.

Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers in this recipe.

3-Ingredient S'mores Dip
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3-Ingredient S’mores Dip

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

2

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Total time

7

minutes

Super quick and easy 3-ingredient s’mores dip! Melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows, served with graham crackers. Throw together this simple dessert in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

  • 20 large marshmallows, or 2 cups mini marshmallows

  • graham crackers, for serving

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 450° Fahrenheit and lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan or cast iron skillet.
  • Spread chocolate chips in an even layer in the bottom of the pan, then arrange marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before serving with graham crackers.

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30 Minutes or Less

3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake

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overhead image of oreo mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

The easiest Oreo mug cake, made with just 3 ingredients in 1 minute! This tiktok recipe went viral for a reason – because it’s so damn good. Whip up this fast and simple personal cake anytime you’re craving something sweet and delicious!

spoon scooping order mug cake out of a mug

What You’ll Need to Make Oreo Mug Cake

Oreos – I used gluten-free Oreos, but any Oreo will work! Have fun with this recipe, and use your favorite Oreo cookies. Double stuffed, golden, mint, etc. – all will taste delicious!

Milk – I used non-dairy milk, but just like the Oreos, any kind of milk will do!

Baking Powder – A little bit of baking powder gives this Oreo mug cake it’s cake-like texture. You can make the mug cake without it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Just 1/4 teaspoon of this pantry-staple ingredient is all you’ll need.

overhead image of oreo mug cake with vanilla ice cream on top and milk on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Throw in any mix-ins you’d like! For a double chocolate mug cake, add in a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. Or, if you’re feeling celebratory, a small handful of rainbow sprinkles are always a fun addition.
  • Top this Oreo mug cake with whatever you’d like. A scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or an extra crushed Oreo all taste incredible atop this personal cake!
  • Make sure you use a microwave-safe mug for this recipe! Not all mugs can be heated in the microwave. To check if your mug is safe to use, flip it over and check the bottom for the words “microwave safe.” If it doesn’t state that it’s microwave safe, it’s probably best to avoid using it in this recipe.
oreo mug cake with milk on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: For a vegan Oreo mug cake, simply use non-dairy milk in this recipe. Also, just so you know, all Oreos are actually completely vegan!

Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Oreos for a gluten-free mug cake!

3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake
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3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

serving
Prep time

1

minute
Cooking time

1

minute
Total time

2

minutes

The easiest Oreo mug cake, made with just 3 ingredients in 1 minute! This tiktok recipe went viral for a reason – because it’s so damn good. Whip up this fast and simple oreo mug cake anytime you’re craving something sweet and delicious!

Ingredients

  • 5 Oreos

  • 3 tablespoons milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

  • In a large microwave-safe mug, mash together 4 of the Oreos and milk, until you achieve a cake batter-like texture.
  • Add in the baking powder and stir to combine.
  • Microwave on high for 1 minute, then break off large chunks from the extra Oreo and place those on top of your mug cake. Top with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream, then enjoy warm!

Recipe Video

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Dairy-Free

Perfect Almond Flour Brownies

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close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!

overhead image of almond flour brownies.

What You’ll Need to Make Almond Flour Brownies

Almond Flour – Duh! Almond flour is the star of this show. I highly recommend blanched super-fine almond flour for these gluten-free brownies. I use and love this Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour in all of my almond flour recipes!

Sugar – I used coconut sugar in my almond flour brownies to make them refined sugar-free. Coconut sugar is just as sweet and tasty as regular sugar, but less processed! However, you can totally use whatever kind of sugar you have on-hand.

Chocolate Chips – Plenty of chocolate chips for these double chocolate brownies! You’ll melt one cup and beat them into the batter, then add 1/2 cup of whole chocolate chips in at the very end. The result is ultra rich and chocolatey brownies, YUM!

three almond flour brownies stacked on top of each other.

Tips and Tricks

  • Beat the eggs and sugar together until super light and fluffy. This is what gives us that crisp, crackly brownie top!
  • Serve these almond flour brownies warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream! I just LOVE turning this dessert into brownie sundaes, such a delicious and decadent treat.
  • Go ahead, add a handful of chopped walnuts to these brownies if you’d like! I personally don’t see anything wrong with walnuts in brownies, so have fun and make these your own.
close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: Simply swap the eggs for your favorite vegan egg substitute. I haven’t tested this option myself just yet, so if you do let me know how it works in the comments!

Make it Paleo: For paleo brownies, use coconut sugar in this recipe, and use either paleo chocolate chips or a chopped paleo chocolate bar. I recommend Hu Kitchen Chocolate Baking Gems!

Don’t Forget to Try These Almond Flour Recipes!

Almond Flour Brownies
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Almond Flour Brownies

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

16

brownies
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, or butter

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer. Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until super light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, add the coconut oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Pour melted chocolate chips and coconut oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, fold in the remaining chocolate chips.
  • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • These almond flour brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 1 week. That is… if they last that long!

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30 Minutes or Less

3-Ingredient Vegan Hot Chocolate Dip

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overhead image of vegan hot chocolate dip in a bowl with graham cracker, mini marshmallows, and chopped chocolate on the side.

Blissfully easy and delicious vegan hot chocolate dip! Made with just 3 ingredients, no cooking or baking required. This fool-proof dessert recipe is perfect for holiday parties or potlucks!

close-up image of vegan hot chocolate dip.

What You’ll Need to Make Vegan Hot Chocolate Dip

Vegan Whipped Cream – If not vegan, feel free to use regular ole’ whipped cream instead. However, I used Truwhip’s Vegan Whipped Topping and it tastes just like the real thing. I’ve also tested this recipe with So Delicious cocowhip, and it turned out fabulous! Or, for a healthier option, feel free to make a homemade coconut whipped cream. To do this, whip together the coconut cream (not the liquid part) from two cans of full-fat coconut milk with either a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. If taking this option, I recommend adding in at least 3 tablespoons of sugar to help sweeten this dessert dip!

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – It’s super important to use unsweetened cocoa powder in this vegan hot chocolate dip recipe. If sweetened, you risk an overly sweet dip. Therefore, check the baking aisle at your grocery store for an unsweetened cocoa powder, such as this Hershey’s one.

Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla extract is the finishing touch to this vegan dessert recipe! It brings the hot chocolate flavor together, and is seriously so good.

vegan hot chocolate dip in a bowl with graham crackers.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t over-mix your dip! An over-mixed dip will turn runny, and lose its fluffiness. Simply stir until everything’s incorporated, then enjoy!
  • Feel free to prepare this vegan hot chocolate dip in advance! To do this, store in an airtight container in either the freezer for up to 2 months, or the fridge for up to 4 days. If freezing, simply transfer to the fridge a few hours before serving to thaw, then give it a quick stir.
  • Serve this chocolatey dessert dip however you’d like! I love mine with graham crackers and fresh strawberries. Though chocolate chip cookies, teddy grahams, apple slices, or even marshmallows all make for great dippers!
graham cracker being dipped into vegan hot chocolate dip.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Paleo: For a paleo version, make a homemade coconut whipped cream and sweeten with either coconut sugar or a splash of maple syrup – YUM!

Vegan Hot Chocolate Dip
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Vegan Hot Chocolate Dip

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Blissfully easy and delicious vegan hot chocolate dip! Made with just 3 ingredients, no cooking or baking required. This fool-proof dessert recipe is perfect for holiday parties or potlucks!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces vegan whipped cream

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1-3 tablespoons sugar, optional depending on how sweet you’d like it

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a bowl, then whisk together until combined.
  • Serve with graham crackers, animal crackers, marshmallows, strawberries, apple slices, Oreos, etc.

Recipe Video

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