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4-Ingredient Chocolate Toffee Pretzel Bark (gluten-free & dairy-free!)

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a stack of chocolate toffee pretzel bark on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of salty pretzels, rich toffee, and creamy chocolate creates the ultimate flavor balance.
  • Simple Ingredients: With only 5 pantry staples, this recipe is both accessible and fuss-free.
  • Customizable: Switch up the toppings or pretzel shapes to match your preferences or dietary needs.
a piece of chocolate toffee pretzel bark with flaky sea salt on top.

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Toffee Pretzel Bark

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why they shine in this recipe:

  • Mini Pretzels: Provide a salty, crunchy base for the bark. Use gluten-free pretzels to make the recipe gluten-free friendly. I used the Snyder’s Gluten-Free Mini Pretzels and they worked perfectly in this recipe!
  • Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that adds deep caramel notes to the toffee while being a healthier alternative to white sugar. I buy my coconut sugar in bulk on Amazon because I use it in so many of my recipes!
  • Butter (or Non-Dairy Butter): The fat needed to create the toffee layer. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. I recommend Miyoko’s vegan butter in this recipe.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate ties everything together. Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan. I used Guittard’s Extra Dark Chocolate Chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. YUM!
  • Flaky Salt (optional): A sprinkle of flaky salt enhances the sweet-and-salty flavor profile and adds a touch of elegance.

How to Make Pretzel Bark

  1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange pretzels in a single, even layer across the baking sheet.
  2. Make the Toffee: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and coconut sugar over medium heat, stirring often. Once melted, continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is dark brown and bubbling. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract.
  3. Pour Over Pretzels: Slowly pour the toffee over the pretzels, ensuring an even coating. Bake for 5 minutes until the toffee sets.
  4. Add Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Remove the pretzels from the oven, let cool for 1-2 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate over the toffee layer.
  5. Cool and Set: Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for 6 hours or freezer for 3 hours. Once fully set, remove the bark from the pan, peel away the foil, and break into pieces.
chocolate toffee pretzel bark on a baking sheet.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips.

Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels.

Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute non-dairy butter and chocolate chips.

Storage Tips

  • Store the bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • Keep the pieces layered with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
a stack of chocolate toffee pretzel bark on a plate.
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Chocolate Toffee Pretzel Bark (gluten-free & dairy-free!)

This chocolate toffee pretzel bark combines crunchy pretzels, rich caramelized toffee, and smooth chocolate for a sweet-and-salty treat that’s impossible to resist. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, sweetened with coconut sugar, and made with just five simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, gifting it to a friend, or enjoying it yourself, this quick and easy bark is sure to impress!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch baking sheet
  • 1 small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 3 cups mini pretzels I used gluten-free pretzels
  • 1 cup butter I used non-dairy butter
  • 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, but recommended
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • Flaky salt for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange the pretzels in an even layer on the baking sheet.
  • Melt butter and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once the butter has melted, cook the toffee for another 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until dark brown and bubbling.
  • Remove from the heat, whisk in the vanilla extract then immediately slowly and evenly pour the toffee over the pretzels. Place the pretzels and toffee in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
  • While the bark bakes, melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until completely smooth. Remove the pretzels and caramel from the oven, let them cool for 1-2 minutes or until no longer bubbling, then slowly pour the melted chocolate over top of the toffee and gently spread into an even layer.
  • Leave the chocolate toffee pretzels bark to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to either the fridge for 6 hours or the freezer for 3 hours. Remove the bark from the pan, peel away the foil, and break into large chunks.

Notes

The nutritional info for this recipe was calculated using gluten-free pretzels, non-dairy butter, coconut sugar, and extra dark chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1.8g | Fat: 10.3g | Sugar: 17.3g
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Dairy-Free

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars (dairy-free!)

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three healthy gluten free pecan pie bars stacked on top of each other.

I have to be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of pie. Especially around thanksgiving and christmas – I feel like the dessert table is 90% pies and none are gluten-free. :/ For the last few years I’ve been baking and bringing my own gluten-free desserts, like my gluten-free almond flour brownies, or my almond flour chocolate chip cookies which are always such a hit! But this year, I wanted a dessert that better fit the holiday/pie category, so I came up with the idea for healthy gluten-free pecan pie bars.

These bars are wayyy less daunting than a pie and so much easier to make! They require just 6 simple ingredients, one bowl, and a baking dish. But trust me when I tell you, they’re just as good as any pie (yup, I said it!!!!) and no one will ever guess how much healthier they are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Ingredients: This recipe skips traditional ingredients like refined sugar and flour, making it gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free while retaining the classic flavors.
  • Easy and Quick: With a simple crust and filling, these bars are ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Add a splash of bourbon or chocolate chips for a twist on traditional pecan pie flavors.
overhead image of a healthy gluten-free pecan pie bar.

What You’ll Need to Make These Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Almond Flour: The base of our shortbread crust, almond flour provides a rich, buttery flavor and keeps these bars gluten-free and grain-free.

Coconut Oil: Used in both the crust and filling, coconut oil brings moisture and healthy fats to each bite.

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with pecans, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar gives the filling a subtle caramel-like flavor, perfect for that traditional pecan pie taste.

Eggs: These help bind the filling, creating that signature pecan pie texture that holds up well as bars.

Pecans: The star ingredient! Chopped pecans add crunch and warmth to every bite.

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

  1. Prepare the Crust: Mix all crust ingredients and press into a lined baking pan. Bake until golden brown and set aside.
  2. Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the filling ingredients, then fold in the chopped pecans.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven until the filling is set. Let cool before slicing.
healthy gluten-free pecan pie bar with a bite taken out.

Can I Make These Vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Switch Up the Flavor of Your Pecan Pie Bars

For a unique twist, try adding:

  • Bourbon: Add 1 tablespoon for a rich, warm flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle ½ cup over the crust before adding the filling for a chocolatey surprise.

Storage Tips

Store these pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

three healthy gluten free pecan pie bars stacked on top of each other.
4.63 from 8 votes

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

These gluten-free pecan pie bars are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make, healthier bar form. Made with an almond flour shortbread crust, naturally sweetened filling, and crunchy pecans, this recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and made with just 6 main ingredients!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×9-inch baking pan

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, but recommended

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional, but recommended
  • 2 eggs at room temperature (very important!)
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans raw and unsalted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Add all shortbread crust ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Then, transfer the crust to your prepared baking pan and press the crust down into an even layer over the base of the dish. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
  • While the crust bakes, make the filling by whisking together the coconut sugar, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs. Once that’s combined, mix in the chopped pecans.
  • When the crust is finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan pie filling mixture over the crust. Bake again for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Remove the bars from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan.
  • Once the pan is cool, transfer the bars to the fridge to chill for about an hour. Then, remove the bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1 week!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 10g | Sugar: 26g
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30 Minutes or Less

Healthier Caramelized Apples

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Sweet, tart, and warm – my caramelized apples recipe is an easy-to-make healthy Fall dessert, perfect to eat with a scoop of ice cream. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan too!

How to Make Caramelized Apples

Yay, more apple-based recipes! I have so many I need to use after all that apple picking I did in September, so hopefully this simple recipe can come in handy for you this Fall, too.

For this recipe, the apples are sautéed in butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender and caramelized. They can then be added to sweet or savory dishes from pancakes to roasted pork loin, or be eaten directly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

What Does Caramelization Mean?

One thing to keep in mind that often gets confused is that caramelized apples are not caramel apples! Caramelization is actually the browning of sugar used in cooking for the resulting sweet nutty flavor and brown color. 

healthier caramelized apples in a skillet with a spoon.

What You’ll Need to Make Caramelized Apples

  • Apples – Use 2-3 gala, granny smith, or any other firm cooking apple.
  • Butter – I used non-dairy.
  • Sugar – I used coconut sugar, but white sugar or brown sugar would also taste great!
  • Cinnamon

Tips and Tricks

What Are The Best Apples to Use For Caramelization?

The best apples to use for this recipe are a firm apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala or Honeycrisp. Most people prefer Granny Smith because they are tart, which pairs perfectly with the sweet buttery caramelized sauce. It’s not a good idea to use a softer apple because they will fall apart while cooking.

What to make with caramelized apples?

Caramelized apples can be used on top of ice cream, on your pancakes, or as a pie filling. You can also use caramelized apples in savory dishes like chicken or turkey if you enjoy a sweeter taste to your meals. But honestly, you can use caramelized apples on almost anything you want!

How to Store Caramelized Apples?

Once cooled, place it in a jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate. It should keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

5 from 4 votes

Healthier Caramelized Apples

Sweetly tart and thoroughly warming, my vegan and refined sugar free caramelized apples recipe is an easy-to-make healthy Fall dessert, perfect to eat with a scoop of icecream.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • large saucepan

Ingredients

  • 2-3 whole apples
  • 1 tablespoon butter I used non-dairy butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar I used coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Slice apples into even-sized pieces.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan before adding in the sugar, apples, and cinnamon.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing apples every minute or so until tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 2.9g | Sugar: 11g

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Dairy-Free

The BEST Almond Flour Brownies (gluten free & dairy-free!)

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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!

close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.
4.67 from 12 votes

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!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies

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 olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • 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 olive 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 olive 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.

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!

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 16g | Sugar: 20g
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Healthy Edible Brownie Batter

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    close up image of healthy edible brownie batter in a jar with a spoon.

    If we’re being completely honest, I’m not sure the last day I went without eating any chocolate. I always manage to have at least a little chocolate throughout my day, and then of course, to end my day. My chocolate of choice is usually something I can quick and easy, that I can just grab-and-go. Recently I’ve had a batch of my 3-ingredient healthy crunch bars stored in my freezer which have been fabulous! And next to those, are my last batch of healthy homemade date caramels – SO GOOD.

    To keep my daily chocolate streak going, I decided to add yet another chocolatey treat to the mix. *Enter healthy edible brownie batter, made with just 5 ingredients!* This edible brownie checks all of my boxes. One, it’s chocolate. Two, it’s super easy to make. Three, there’s no baking require. And four, it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and low sugar! SO if you’re anything like me and just can’t live without at least a bite of chocolate to get you through the day, then you’re going to love this edible brownie batter. Enjoy, friends! And if you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and review. I always appreciate your support so so much!

    healthy edible brownie batter in a jar on a tea towel.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    This recipe is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just minutes! It’s perfect for when you want a quick, indulgent treat that’s also healthier than traditional brownie batter. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be adjusted for vegan or low-carb diets.

    What You Need to Make Edible Brownie Batter

    • Butter or Coconut Oil: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the batter. Coconut oil keeps the recipe dairy-free and adds a subtle tropical flavor, while butter offers a more classic taste.
    • Milk (Non-Dairy or Dairy): Helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can use any milk, but non-dairy versions like almond or oat milk work great for a plant-based option.
    • Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: Sweetens the batter naturally, with coconut sugar providing a lower-glycemic option than regular sugar, while brown sugar brings a caramel-like sweetness.
    • Almond Flour or All-Purpose Flour: Almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free and adds a slightly nutty flavor. If you plan on doing a lot of healthy, gluten-free baking, I recommend buying your almond flour in bulk on Amazon to save money! But If you’re not gluten-sensitive, regular all-purpose flour works too. But if you’re going to use all-purpose flour, make sure you heat-treat it first to ensure it’s safe to eat in this brownie batter.
    • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds that rich, deep chocolate flavor to give the batter its brownie taste.
    • Chocolate Chips: The final touch for a bit of texture and extra chocolatey goodness. I use and love the Guittard extra dark chocolate chips in all of my chocolate recipes (they’re dairy-free btw!).

    Is it Safe to Eat?

    Yes, this recipe is completely safe to eat! There are no raw eggs involved, and if you use almond flour, you avoid any potential issues with uncooked all-purpose flour. If using regular flour, be sure to heat-treat it first by microwaving or baking it to ensure it’s safe to consume.

    healthy edible brownie batter in a small jar with a spoon.

    How to Make Edible Brownie Batter

    Making this brownie batter couldn’t be easier! Simply mix together all the ingredients, fold in your chocolate chips, and enjoy right away. There’s no need for baking or any fancy equipment.

    Storage Tips

    Store your edible brownie batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it come to room temperature for a few minutes for a softer texture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

    Switch Up The Flavors of This Edible Brownie Batter

    This edible brownie batter is delicious as-is, but you can easily switch up the flavors to keep things exciting! Try adding a pinch of sea salt, a splash of vanilla extract, or even some crushed nuts for extra crunch. For a minty twist, mix in a drop of peppermint extract!

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    • Vegan: Use coconut oil and non-dairy milk, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
    • Low Carb: Swap out the coconut sugar for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
    • Nut-Free: Use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour and replace any nut-based ingredients with allergy-friendly alternatives.

    Healthy, Gluten-Free, and Low-Sugar!

    This edible brownie batter is a healthier alternative to traditional recipes, with just 5 ingredients and no refined sugar. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan, making it a great guilt-free treat you can whip up anytime.

    close up image of healthy edible brownie batter in a jar with a spoon.
    5 from 2 votes

    Healthy Edible Brownie Batter

    This simple and healthy edible brownie batter recipe is made with just 5 ingredients, is gluten-free, and can easily be adjusted to fit various dietary needs. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your brownie cravings without any baking required!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons softened coconut oil or butter
    • 3-4 tablespoons milk (I used non-dairy milk)
    • 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
    • 3/4 cup almond flour or heat-treated all purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (I used extra dark chocolate chips)

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredient except chocolate chips to a large bowl and mix to combine.
    • Then, fold in the chocolate chips and enjoy!

    Notes

    The nutrition facts have been calculated for 4 servings, and without the chocolate chips. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5.6g | Fat: 18g | Sugar: 13g
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