Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth but follow a plant-based lifestyle, you are going to adore this Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe. These bars capture the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic Mars bar with luscious layers of creamy coconut ice cream, gooey caramel made from dates and almond butter, and a smooth chocolate coating—all without a hint of dairy. They offer the perfect balance of texture and taste in every bite, making them an irresistible treat to enjoy anytime you crave something truly special and guilt-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a pantry full of complicated ingredients to make these sensational Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars. Each component plays a crucial role: from the soaked almonds that create a creamy base, to the natural sweeteners that add that perfect hint of caramelized flavor, and finally the rich vegan chocolate that ties everything together with a glossy finish.

• ¾ cup blanched almonds (soaked): Soaking softens them for a smooth, creamy ice cream base.
• 2 cups chilled canned coconut milk: Provides richness and creaminess essential for a silky texture.
• 2 medjool dates: Natural sweetness and depth, perfect for the ice cream layer.
• ⅔ cup coconut sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and a touch of earthiness.
• 2 tablespoons solid coconut oil: Helps with creaminess and body.
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder: For a hint of chocolaty goodness in the ice cream.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Enhances the flavors with warm, floral notes.
• 10 medjool dates: The star ingredient for the luscious vegan caramel.
• ½ cup pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and fluidity to the caramel.
• 1 tablespoon solid coconut oil: Gives the caramel a smooth, glossy finish.
• 2 tablespoons almond butter: Adds richness and a nutty undertone to the caramel.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• 4 tablespoons chilled canned or evaporated coconut milk: Keeps the caramel silky and spreadable.
• 12 oz vegan chocolate (for coating): The final indulgent layer sealing in all the deliciousness.
• 1 teaspoon solid coconut oil (for coating): Ensures the chocolate coating melts smoothly and sets firmly.

How to Make Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Almonds

Start by soaking the blanched almonds to soften them up. You can soak them in room temperature water for about 4 hours, or speed up the process by soaking them in boiled water for an hour. This step is crucial because it creates that velvety smooth texture in your ice cream base.

Step 2: Blend the Ice Cream Base

Drain the almonds, then pop them into a high-speed blender along with the chilled canned coconut milk, medjool dates, coconut sugar, solid coconut oil, cacao powder, and vanilla bean paste. Blitz everything together until you get a completely smooth, creamy mixture without any lumps. This base will form the heart of your Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 11’x7″ baking pan thoroughly with parchment paper, making sure it covers all sides so the ice cream mixture won’t leak out. This easy prep prevents mess and helps with lifting the bars out later.

Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream Layer

Pour the creamy ice cream mixture into the prepared pan and pop it into the freezer for 2 hours, allowing the base to solidify just enough to hold its shape while still soft enough for layering the caramel on top.

Step 5: Make the Vegan Caramel

In your blender, combine the dates, maple syrup, coconut oil, almond butter, chilled coconut milk, and sea salt. Blend until you achieve a sticky, smooth caramel. It’s rich, naturally sweetened, and utterly decadent.

Step 6: Layer the Caramel

Once the ice cream base has set, remove the pan from the freezer and gently spoon the vegan caramel over the top. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out in a thin layer. For best results, freeze again for at least 6 hours or overnight to let everything set firmly together.

Step 7: Cut Into Bars

Once fully frozen, carefully lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut your frozen treat into 12 to 14 generously sized bars, then place them onto a tray lined with parchment paper to freeze again. This keeps them nice and firm while you get ready for the next step.

Step 8: Melt the Chocolate Coating

Using a double boiler, slowly melt the vegan chocolate with the tablespoon of solid coconut oil. This combination helps the chocolate melt smoothly and ensures a shiny, crisp coating once set.

Step 9: Coat the Bars

The most satisfying step: coat each bar with the melted chocolate. Hold one bar with a fork and spoon the chocolate over every side, making sure it’s fully covered for that classic Mars bar look and texture. Place the coated bars back in the freezer for 15 minutes so the chocolate hardens perfectly.

Step 10: Optional Dipped Bars

If you want to get creative, melt the chocolate as before, transfer it to a tall slim glass, and insert two wooden cocktail sticks into each bar. Then, dip the bars into the chocolate for a neat and classic frozen pop style. Freeze again briefly before serving.

How to Serve Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle crushed toasted almonds or a light dusting of cacao nibs on top of the chocolate coating before it sets. This adds a delightful crunch and accentuates the nutty undertones in the ice cream and caramel layers.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightful on their own but pairing them with fresh berries or a refreshing mint leaf can bring another level of brightness to your dessert spread. For a party, serve alongside a vegan hot fudge sauce or coconut whipped cream for an indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift. Or serve mini versions on a platter with drizzle of almond caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate your dessert presentation for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars tightly wrapped in parchment or wax paper and stored in an airtight container in the freezer. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted freezer odors and keeps them tasting fresh and delicious.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for prepping in advance. Make a full batch and keep extras stored in the freezer for up to a month. Just be sure to let them thaw for 5-10 minutes before indulging to enjoy the perfect creamy texture.

Reheating

Since these are frozen treats, no reheating is needed. If you want the chocolate to soften a bit before eating, simply leave bars at room temperature for a few minutes. Resist temptation to microwave as it will alter the texture.

FAQs

Are these ice cream bars truly vegan?

Absolutely! Every ingredient is plant-based, including the chocolate and the caramel made from natural dates and almond butter, ensuring this Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe is entirely free from animal products.

Can I substitute ingredients if I’m allergic to nuts?

Since almonds and almond butter are key for texture and flavor here, substituting is tricky. However, you might try soaked cashews or sunflower seed butter as alternatives, but results will slightly vary in taste and creaminess.

How sweet are these bars?

The natural sweeteners from dates, coconut sugar, and maple syrup give these bars a pleasantly sweet, balanced flavor—not overly sugary but definitely satisfying for those with a sweet tooth.

Can I make these bars without a high-speed blender?

A powerful blender is essential to fully blend the soaked almonds and dates into an ultra-smooth ice cream base and caramel. A standard blender may struggle, leaving a gritty texture, so investing in or borrowing a high-speed blender is worth it for this recipe.

Is there a way to speed up freezing times?

You can speed up the freezing by using a metal pan instead of glass or plastic, as metal conducts cold more efficiently. Placing the pan in the coldest part of your freezer also helps, but make sure not to rush the caramel setting too much for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that making the Vegan Mars Ice Cream Bars Recipe is a rewarding adventure with an insanely delicious payoff. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends and family, these bars bring an irresistible combination of creamy ice cream, sticky caramel, and shiny chocolate that’s simply unforgettable. So grab those ingredients, get blending, and prepare to elevate your vegan dessert game to new heights.

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