#72 S'mores Cookie Cake Bars (Skinny)

Summer is ending, but that doesn't mean the summer treats are! I proved it by making these S'mores Cookie Cake Bars. The chocolate and marshmallow combination should never go out of season, and now it doesn't have to.

These are, believe it or not, healthy S'mores Cookie Cake Bars. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and butter-free. I know, how is there anything tasty even in these bars? I don't know how it works, but it just does! (Okay, I do know how it works. They're topped with chocolate chips and marshmallows, so the healthiness ends there.)

The bars are made with coconut flour, which might sound crazy or rare, but it can be found at almost any grocery store. It is gluten-free, and much healthier than regular flour. However, since these bars are made with it, they are much more cake-y and less like a tough cookie (no pun intended there, actually). They're dense and chewy and go perfectly with a glass of milk.

These are so simple to make, just mix a few things in a bowl, top with chocolate and marshmallow, top with the remaining dough, and bake. And, you only have to wait 10 minutes for them to cool before devouring, so that's another plus.

And, these actually taste like s'mores! I tried a few bites and thought so, but even my brother tried them, and immediately he said they did, in fact, taste like s'mores. Winner! If you're looking for a healthy indoor s'mores treat, try these! 

S'mores Cookie Cake Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)

Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes.

Yields: 8x8" or 9x9" pan; 9-12 bars

Ingredients:

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup milk (rice or almond if needing dairy free)
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8" or 9x9" pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, eggs and milk until thoroughly combined. Slowly add in flour and baking soda and mix until just combined. The dough will be sticky.

3. Press 2/3 of dough into prepared pan and top evenly with chocolate chips. Evenly sprinkle with marshmallows, and finish by dolloping remaining 1/3 of batter over the top and gently pressing down.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown, a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and marshmallows begin to brown. Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Cover and store leftovers at room temperature. Best if eaten within a couple days.

Enjoy!


Click here to print recipe!

*Note: Nutrition facts may vary due to brand of products.

Recipe adapted from
http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2014/07/the-best-coconut-flour-chocolate-chunk-bars/