No-Bake Chocolate Bars (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Three times the chocolate. Three times the yum. These easy no-bake chocolate bars are three layers of decadent chocolate delight. Creamy, rich, and intensely chocolatey, they are every chocolate lover’s dream. Bonus: the recipe can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or just plain regular.

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The Best No-Bake Chocolate Bars

A rich chocolate cookie crumb base with sweet shredded coconut and crunchy walnuts. Fluffy whipped chocolate buttercream frosting middle. And a smooth luxurious chocolate ganache top. Pure no-bake chocolate bar heaven. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Amazing Texture – Each layer has its own unique and scrumptious texture for the most amazing mouth feel.

So Much Chocolate – Three easy layers of chocolate yum for triple the chocolate delight.

Easy To Make – Only 10 ingredients and no baking required. A total win!

Dietary/Lifestyle Friendly – Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free, or “regular” this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your specific lifestyle and dietary needs.

No-Bake Chocolate Bar Ingredients & Substitutions

As always this recipe is gluten-free and vegan. That said, I test each recipe with “regular” ingredients and make notes of alternatives or swaps so that everyone can enjoy it.

Here are a few key ingredients for these no-bake chocolate bars but make sure you scroll to the bottom recipe card for the complete ingredient list.

Graham Cracker Crumbs – Kinnikinick makes a fabulous package of gluten-free vegan graham cracker crumbs. This can be swapped with any type of cookie crumbs, gluten-free or regular, like animal cookies, digestive biscuits, or even Oreos.

Shredded Coconut – I prefer unsweetened shredded coconut as the bars are quite sweet as is but use whatever you have in your pantry as long as it’s shredded.

Walnuts – Any type of nut will work in these no-bake chocolate bars. If you are nut-free, simply omit or swap with more shredded coconut or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Butter – Becel plant-based bricks are my personal favorite for baking but any brick-style dairy-free, vegan, lactose-free, or regular butter will work. 

Sugar – I use granulated white sugar but you can swap in organic cane sugar, date sugar, or coconut sugar.

Cocoa Powder – Any unsweetened cocoa powder will work.

Chocolate Chips – Pascha chocolate is my preferred vegan chocolate chip but Enjoylife makes a fabulous one as well. Use whatever type fits your dietary need/preference.

Milk – Unsweetened almond milk is always what I use. Swap in whatever vegan or non-vegan milk you prefer.

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Bars Step-By-Step Instructions

You will need a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer (or stand mixer), a spatula, and an 8×8-inch baking pan. Let’s get started!

1 – Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and two pieces of parchment paper, crisscrossed.

2 – Combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, walnuts, sugar, and cocoa powder and mix until a coarse sand-like texture is achieved. Spread the mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan and press down firmly. Set aside.

3 – Combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt and cream until light and fluffy. Spread evenly on top of the crust. Set aside.

4 – Melt the chocolate chips and milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Pour over the chocolate frosting layer and spread evenly. Top with chocolate sprinkles and shredded coconut if desired. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.

5 – Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Want a perfectly sliced chocolate bar? Don’t drag the knife blade and clean it after each cut.

No-Bake Chocolate Cookie Bar Recipe Tips & Tricks

Be Firm – Use a heavy flat-bottomed glass to firmly press the base mixture down into the pan. This will ensure a solid bottom layer that won’t crumble when cut. Don’t be afraid to use some muscle.

Scrape The Bowl – Make sure to scrape the bowl when mixing the frosting to ensure all the little bits of butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder are fully incorporated and creamed.

Melting The Chocolate – Chocolate chips can be fickle when melting so go slow and steady. Stir after each 30-second interval in the microwave to ensure the chips don’t burn. Likewise, you can melt the chocolate chips and milk on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These “Regular” (ie. not gluten-free, vegan, etc?)

Yes! Swap the vegan/dairy-free & gluten-free ingredients with their regular counterparts. See the above section titled Ingredients & Substitutions for more detail.

Am I Able to Double the Recipe?

It doubles, triples, heck even quadruples like a dream! Bonus: you can half it too.

Can I Freeze No-Bake Chocolate Bars?

A dream to freeze, these no-bake chocolate bars are good frozen for up to 6 months. You can either wrap them individually after sliced in plastic wrap or as a whole.

The Easiest No-Bake Chocolate Bar Recipe

Full of rich decadent chocolate yum, this incredible gluten-free and vegan no-bake chocolate bar recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream. A mouthful of three delicious chocolatey layers in every single scrumptious bite!

With an adaptable ingredient list, you can tailor this recipe to suit vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, or just plain regular dietary/lifestyle needs to create an amazing no-bake chocolate square that everyone will enjoy.

I would love to know if you make this spectacular no-bake chocolate bar recipe. If you do, tag me on social media @cakedbykatie and leave this recipe a 5-star rating and review below. I can’t wait to see it!

More Easy No-Bake Recipes

Sometimes you simply want a sweet treat without turning on the oven. No worries, I’ve got you covered with the most spectacular no-bake recipes.

• Gluten-Free Banana Pudding (Vegan)
• No-Bake Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
• Lemon Rice Krispie Treats (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

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