Vegan Rocky Road Bars

Rocky Road should not be limited to just ice cream. The chocolate-almond-marshmallow trifecta can and should be applied to every dessert known to man. These Vegan Rocky Road Bars are born of this desire/belief. Buttery shortbread crust topped with rich chocolate, salty almonds and sweet marshmallows! Let's learn how to make them.

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Ingredients in Vegan Rocky Road Bars

For the Base

• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): The flour serves as the foundation for the base, providing structure and helping to bind the ingredients together. It contributes to the texture of the base, making it more cohesive.
• Sugar (⅓ cup): Sugar adds sweetness to the base, enhancing the overall flavor of the bars. It also contributes to the texture by aiding in the tenderizing of the crust.
• Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Cocoa powder is responsible for the chocolate flavor. It gives the bars a rich, chocolatey taste and complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
• Vegan butter (⅔ cup): Vegan butter is a plant-based alternative to traditional butter, providing moisture and fat to the base. It helps create a tender and flavorful crust.

For the Topping

• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (2 cups): These chips are used to create a chocolatey layer on top of the bars. They melt and solidify to form a smooth, rich chocolate coating, adding indulgence to the rocky road bars.
• Vegan Butter (½ cup): Vegan butter is also included in the topping to enhance the smoothness and creaminess of the chocolate layer. It contributes to the overall richness of the bars.
• Agave Nectar (1 tablespoon): Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that not only adds sweetness to the topping but also helps in achieving a smooth and glossy texture in the chocolate layer.
• Chopped Salted Almonds (1 cup): Almonds provide a crunchy and nutty element to the bars. The salted variety adds a contrasting flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): Marshmallows are a classic element in rocky road recipes. They add a chewy and gooey texture, as well as a sweet vanilla flavor. The mini size ensures even distribution throughout the topping.

Steps for Making Vegan Rocky Road Bars (with pictures!)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Make the Base: Whisk together flour, sugar and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Cut in cold vegan butter using a pastry cutter. Continue to work the mixture until it resembles wet sand.
3. Bake: Firmly press the base mixture into the bottom of prepared square pan using your hands. Try to get the base layer as even as possible. Place pan on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
4. Make the Topping: Add chocolate chips, vegan butter and agave nectar to a small saucepan. Heat on stove over medium whisking frequently until chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in half of the almonds and half of the marshmallows.
5. Assemble and Chill: Pour melted chocolate topping over the baked crust. Spread out evenly using a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the remaining almonds and marshmallows over the top of the bars. Allow pan to cool slightly before covering and placing in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips for Making Vegan Rocky Road Bars

1. Use High-Quality Vegan Ingredients: Choose high-quality vegan butter, nondairy chocolate chips, and other vegan substitutes for an authentic and tasty result.
2. Properly Line the Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they're set.
3. Melt Chocolate and Butter Gently: When melting the chocolate chips and vegan butter for the topping, do so slowly and gently in order to avoid scorching or burning. Stir frequently for a smooth and glossy chocolate layer.
4. Combine Toppings Carefully: When folding in the chopped salted almonds and mini marshmallows into the chocolate mixture, do it gently to avoid crushing the marshmallows and to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Even Topping Distribution: Spread the chocolate topping evenly over the cooled base to ensure that each bite of the rocky road bars has a balanced combination of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows.
6. Allow Proper Setting Time: Allow the bars to set completely in the refrigerator before cutting into squares. This ensures that the chocolate topping is firm, making it easier to cut and resulting in neat and clean bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use as a substitute for agave nectar in the topping?

Maple syrup or another liquid sweetener can be used as a substitute for agave nectar in the chocolate topping. Further adjust the quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.

Can I use gluten-free flour for the base to make the rocky road bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to make the base gluten-free. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed.

Can I make vegan rocky road bars without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the nuts or replace them with seeds, shredded coconut, or additional marshmallows to suit your preferences or accommodate nut allergies.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting too much when adding them to the chocolate topping?

Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly before folding in the marshmallows. This helps prevent excessive melting, ensuring that the marshmallows maintain their shape and texture.

FAQ's Continued

Can I use regular mini marshmallows or do they have to be vegan-specific?

You can use either vegan mini marshmallows or regular ones based on your dietary preferences. There are vegan-friendly marshmallow brands available, or you can also just look for ones without gelatin.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

Dip a sharp knife in hot water before each cut, wiping it clean after each pass. This helps the knife glide through the chocolate, resulting in cleaner cuts.

What can I do if the chocolate topping is too thick to spread evenly?

Add a small amount of additional vegan butter to the melted chocolate mixture and gently stir until you reach a smoother and more spreadable consistency.

How to Serve Vegan Rocky Road Bars

Here are some suggestions on how to present and enjoy vegan rocky road bars:

1. Cut Into Even Squares: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Cut the chilled bars into even squares to ensure a consistent serving size.
2. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: Rocky road bars can be served either chilled from the refrigerator or at room temperature. The choice depends on personal preference. Chilled bars will have a firmer texture, while bars at room temperature will be softer and gooier.
3. Accompany with Vegan Ice Cream: Serve the bars with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The combination of the rich, chocolatey bars with the cold and creamy ice cream is a classic and delicious pairing.
4. Add Fresh Fruit: Accompany the bars with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. Berries, sliced strawberries, and also sliced bananas work well.
5. Pair with Hot Beverages: Serve alongside hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. To explain, the warmth of the drinks complements the richness of the rocky road bars.
6. Serve in Cupcake Liners: For a casual and convenient serving option, place individual bars in cupcake liners. This makes them easy to pick up and enjoy, especially in social settings.

How to Store Vegan Rocky Road Bars

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and texture of vegan rocky road bars. Here's how you can store them:

1. Refrigeration: The best way to store vegan rocky road bars is in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent the chocolate from melting and also keeps the bars firm. They will keep this way for 3-4 days.
2. Layering: If you need to stack multiple layers of bars, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers. To explain, this prevents the bars from sticking together and helps maintain their individual shapes.
3. Avoid Odor Absorption: Store the bars away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator to avoid any flavor transfer. By and large the airtight container helps in preventing the absorption of odors.
4. Use of Sealable Bags: Another option is to place the bars in sealable plastic bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your vegan rocky road bars stay fresh, delicious, and maintain their desired texture.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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