Chocolate Almond Butter Squares

Name: Chocolate Almond Butter Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Food

I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Butter Squares because they are the perfect treat for any occasion. These squares have a rich, decadent flavor that satisfies my sweet tooth without feeling overly indulgent. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter and dark chocolate, they offer a delightful combination of taste and texture. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet at home, these squares come together quickly and make everyone smile. I can’t wait for you to try them – they might just become your new favorite dessert!

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-15T17:30:37.900Z

Making Chocolate Almond Butter Squares is a delightful experience that brings together my love for chocolate and nut butter. I remember the first time I made these; I used high-quality dark chocolate, which gave the bars a rich depth of flavor. The silky texture of almond butter adds a wonderful creaminess that perfectly complements the chocolate.

One crucial tip I've learned is to let the squares chill properly in the refrigerator. This step ensures they set firmly, making them easy to cut and helping the flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

        Why You Will Love These Squares
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy almond butter
A perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness
Simple to prepare, ideal for busy days or special occasions

      

The Role of Almond Butter

Almond butter plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of these squares. It brings a creamy, nutty richness that complements the dark chocolate. Opting for a smooth almond butter ensures a more homogenous mixture, but you can also use crunchy almond butter for added texture. Just be aware that this may produce a slightly different mouthfeel. If you're looking to reduce sugar, almond butter has a naturally sweet flavor that can help balance your sweeteners.

Another benefit of almond butter is its health profile. It's a good source of protein and healthy fats, making these squares a fulfilling treat rather than just empty calories. Always check the label for additives or extra sugar; pure almond butter will give the best outcome in taste and nutrition.

Choosing Your Sweetener

In this recipe, you can opt for either honey or maple syrup, each bringing its own unique flavor to the squares. Honey tends to lend a floral sweetness that pairs well with the chocolate and almond butter, while maple syrup adds a deeper, caramel-like note. Keep in mind that honey is sweeter than maple syrup, so if you choose to use maple, you may want to increase the amount slightly to maintain the desired sweetness.

For a vegan option, stick with maple syrup, which works seamlessly without altering the texture. If you need to avoid sweeteners altogether, consider ripe mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce, but be cautious as this will change the consistency and may make the squares less firm.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once cut into squares, these treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the squares. Just layer parchment paper between the squares to prevent sticking, and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or on the countertop for about 30 minutes.

These chocolate almond butter squares make for a fantastic energy booster during a busy day. You can enjoy them on their own or serve them with a scoop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra nut butter. They also make a lovely addition to lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack—just be sure to keep them cool to maintain their structure.

Ingredients

For the Squares

1 cup almond butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Mix until well combined. Then, stir in the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed.

Press into a Pan

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture into the pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands to create a compact layer.

Chill and Set

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Once set, lift out the mixture using the parchment paper, and cut into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before pressing it into the pan. This adds a delightful crunch and a burst of additional taste.

Mixing Techniques

When preparing the mixture, it's essential to mix the almond butter and sweetener thoroughly until smooth. This ensures that every square has an even flavor and consistency. A whisk or an electric mixer can help achieve this, but mixing by hand with a spatula works just as well. The key is to eliminate lumps from the almond butter before adding dry ingredients like oats and cocoa powder.

Be sure to fold in the chocolate chips gently after the oats and cocoa powder are incorporated, as overmixing at this stage can cause the chocolate to melt too much and distribute unevenly. You want pockets of rich chocolate throughout the squares for the best flavor experience.

Adjusting Texture

If you find that the mixture feels too dry after adding all the ingredients, you can add a teaspoon of water or more almond butter to achieve the desired consistency. The final batter should be sticky but cohesive enough to hold its shape when pressed into the pan. For a fudgier texture, consider reducing the amount of oats slightly; however, this may also make the squares more delicate, so handle them carefully.

Conversely, if your mixture seems too wet, adding an extra 1/4 cup of rolled oats can help absorb excess moisture. This adjustment not only helps with the texture but also maintains the squares' structure once set.

Variations to Explore

Get creative with these squares by adding your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or seeds can bring an exciting twist to the recipe. For instance, adding a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans enhances nuttiness, while dried cranberries can provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and almond butter. Just be mindful that these additions may slightly alter the texture and may require a bit more binding from your wet ingredients.

For a gourmet touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top of the chilled squares or sprinkling with coarse sea salt before refrigerating. These small enhancements can elevate the overall presentation and flavor, making them even more delightful for special occasions or gifting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter works well and gives a different flavor profile, but make sure to use a natural variety without added sugars.

→ How should I store the squares?

Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

→ Can I omit the cocoa powder?

Yes, omitting the cocoa powder will make the squares less chocolatey, but they will still taste delicious with just the almond butter and oats.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use agave nectar or maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey.