Almond butter bars are the perfect no-bake treat when you want something sweet and satisfying, but don't want to turn on the oven or spend hours in the kitchen.

These bars are so easy to throw together with healthy ingredients like almond butter, oats, dates, and dark chocolate.

They come together in just 20 minutes of prep time. Then all that's left to do is let them chill in the fridge to set!

Benefits of Almond Butter Bars

Almond butter bars are a great healthy dessert option because:

They are gluten-free and dairy-free by nature, making them ideal for many dietary needs.
No refined sugar is needed because the bars are naturally sweetened with dates or maple syrup.
Almond butter provides protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
Oats add fiber as well as various vitamins and minerals.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and even more fiber.

Overall, almond butter bars give you a deliciously sweet treat packed with nutrition! Now let's look at some tasty recipes you can try.

Healthy Almond Butter Bar Recipes

There are endless ways to make almond butter bars with simple ingredient swaps. Here are three delicious options:

Chocolate Almond Butter Bars

This is a rich and fudgy almond butter bar with a chocolate shortbread crust, creamy almond butter filling, and dark chocolate topping. The bars only need 7 ingredients:

Almond flour
Cacao powder
Maple syrup
Almond butter
Coconut oil
Vanilla
Dark chocolate

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

For those who love the flavor of peanut butter, these bars use peanut butter instead of almond butter. They are sweetened with honey and use just 8 ingredients:

Old fashioned oats
Peanut butter
Honey
Vanilla
Flaxseed meal
Dark chocolate
Sliced almonds
Sea salt

No-Bake Almond Butter Granola Bars

If you want an even easier no-bake option, try these 5-ingredient almond butter granola bars made with just:

Rolled oats
Almond butter
Ground flaxseed
Maple syrup
Dark chocolate

Now that you have a recipe in mind, let's go over the simple steps for making almond butter bars.

How to Make Almond Butter Bars

While ingredients vary slightly based on the specific recipe, the basic method for making almond butter bars is simple:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

You will need an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment hangs over the sides to easily lift out the finished bars.

Step 2: Make the Base

In a bowl, combine the base ingredients like oats, almond flour, cinnamon, etc. For no-bake bars, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Press into the Pan

Transfer the base mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In another bowl, mix together the filling ingredients like almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Step 5: Spread on Top of the Base

Pour the almond butter filling over the base and smooth it into an even layer.

Step 6: Make the Topping

Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together, then spread over the filling. Sprinkle with nuts or salt.

Step 7: Chill Completely

Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour until completely set. Then slice into squares and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Foolproof Almond Butter Bars

Follow these tips from the pros for perfect bars every time:

Soak dates first if using them. Soak in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before blending into the batter.
Use superfine almond flour for the smoothest texture. Avoid almond meal which is coarser.
Pick a thick nut butter. Thinner butter may cause a runnier filling. Stir well before using.
Cut the chocolate into small even pieces so it melts smoothly.
Let bars fully chill for neat cutting and optimum texture. At least 1 hour, but overnight is best.
Slice chilled bars with a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife between cuts.
Store in the fridge so the coconut oil doesn't melt and the bars stay firm.

FAQs

How long do almond butter bars last?

In the refrigerator, almond butter bars will be kept for 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use another nut butter?

Yes! Swap in any nut or seed butter like peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter. The filling may be thinner or thicker.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

Try oat flour, coconut flour, or all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the other wet ingredients.

Can I make almond butter bars without the chocolate?

Absolutely. The bars will still be delicious without the chocolate topping.

How do I cut almond butter bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and let the bars fully chill first. Wipe the knife between each cut for clean slices.

What can I add to almond butter bars?

Get creative with mix-ins! Try rolled oats, nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, dried fruit, hemp seeds, etc.

Conclusion

Almond butter bars make for a quick and healthy dessert that requires minimal time in the kitchen. Within 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a pan of luscious no-bake almond bars chilling and ready to slice and eat!

With endless flavor combinations from fruits, nuts, spices, and chocolate, you can create your own signature almond butter bar. They make the perfect treat for holiday bake sales, school lunches, and anytime you need a just little something sweet.