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To make this recipe totally plant-based, a few simple vegan substitutes are used. Along with vegan butter and vegan chocolate chips, I used my favorite dairy-free cream cheese from Treeline. This creamy cashew-based spread is a healthier alternative to traditional cream cheese. It has a mild, tangy flavor and a smooth and silky texture, which is perfect for making vegan cream cheese frosting.
Start by lining a large 12” x 18” metal baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spraying with oil. You could also use a slightly smaller metal baking sheet for thicker bars. Set your pan aside. To begin making the dough, add your wet ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine. Beat for 1-2 minutes until silky smooth. Once your dry ingredients are added, mix on low speed until combined, being sure not to over-mix. Then, gently fold in chocolate chips.
Spread into your lined baking sheet and press into an even layer. After spreading, I like to perfect them by flattening with lightly oiled hands or the flat side of a metal spatula. Then, sprinkle with additional chocolate chips if desired and slide into your preheated 350 degree oven. Be prepared for your house to smell amazing. For the perfect texture you want to be sure to not over-bake these bars, you want them fudgey! 18-20 minutes should be perfect and you’ll know when they’re done if a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
The texture and taste of this Treeline cream cheese frosting is to die for so you’ll definitely be licking the spatula! But, make sure to let the bars cool completely before topping with your freshly whipped-up frosting. Practice your very best self control (or don’t) and spread your chilled bars with an even layer of frosting. Place back into the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
These bars taste their very best when they’re served cold and actually taste even better after a couple days in the fridge. Because of this, feel free to make ahead of time and pull them out right before your halloween party starts. Enjoy!
If you like this cream cheese frosting, be sure to check out my other favorite vegan products from Treeline:
Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.
Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.
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