Looking for an easy, oven-free dessert recipe? These no-bake chocolate almond butter bars require just 7 ingredients and no cooking time! The ultimate no-bake bars the whole family will love!
Maybe it’s because I have Valentine’s Day on my mind or maybe I was just craving something sweet but these chocolate almond butter bars came to me in a literal dream. That’s right, I dreamt up these bars! So much so that I had to check my fridge the next morning to see if it really was a dream (sadly it was).
I then set out to recreate these delicious bars because I just had to have them.
I love a good recipe challenge where I’m craving something but I have to work with what I already have on hand. I think that also creates the best recipes because there’s no fancy ingredients or leg work required. So if you’re looking for a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day or truly just any day, these bars will absolutely fit the bill!
Why Make This Recipe?
Simple Ingredients. Only 7 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry are required to make these bars!
No Baking Required. That’s right, no oven or any baking is required! Simply mix and freeze for an easy no-bake valentine’s treat!
Gluten-Free + Vegan. These bars are a total hit no matter the crowd but if you’re looking for a healthy no-bake Valentine dessert that is also gluten-free and vegan, I’ve got you covered!
Meal prep-friendly. These bars store great in the fridge or freezer so you can save them to enjoy on another day.
Ingredients in Chocolate Almond Butter Bars
There are two layers to this chocolate almond butter bar recipe: The almond butter base and the chocolate topping. Here’s what you need:
For the almond base layer:
- Almond Butter – Ideally use a natural almond butter not almond butter spread which contains other ingredients.
- Maple Syrup – honey or agave also works. Feel free to add more or less based on flavor preferences.
- Oat Flour – you can either grind your own rolled oats in the blender or you can buy store-bought oat flour.
- Ground Flax – not only does this help bind together this layer but it is also a great source of fiber!
For the chocolate layer:
- Chocolate chips – roughly 4 ounces of chocolate. You can also use a chopped up chocolate bar.
- Coconut oil – when you melt coconut oil with chocolate it helps to create the chocolate magic shell.
- Sea salt – I like to use Maldon Flaked Sea Salt but use what you have or skip!
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Bars
STEP 1: MAKE BASE LAYER
In a large mixing bowl combine all almond layer ingredients and stir until well combined. Spread almond layer evenly in parchment-lined baking pan and place in the freezer while you make your chocolate layer. I find using your fingertips works best for spreading this layer.
STEP 2: MAKE CHOCOLATE TOPPING
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second increments. Remove bars from freezer and spread chocolate layer evenly over top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
STEP 3: FREEZE
Place in the freezer until set 30-60 minutes. Remove bars from freezer and lift parchment paper to remove bars from the baking pan. Slice into 12 bars (3×4).
Easy Swaps & Substitutions
Use a different nut butter – prefer a different nut or seed butter? Feel free to replace the almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, sunflower butter or any other kind of nut butter.
Make it paleo – replace oat flour with almond flour. I do find the texture is a little bit softer but it still works and tastes great.
Swap the sweetener – you can replace maple syrup with honey or agave, if desired.
FAQs
I like them chilled from the fridge and typically either eat them with my hands or a fork. If you’re storing them in the freezer I recommend letting them sit out for 10 minutes so they’re easier to eat.
I certainly think they are! They’re lower in sugar than most desserts and are sweetened with just 3 tbsp of maple syrup. The base is also a mix of almond butter, oat flour and flax so they’re high in protein and fiber.
Absolutely. Just note that your bars may have a different thickness and length depending on the pan you use.
It’s kind of par for the course when you’re working with a chocolate magic shell. Don’t stress about it – they’ll still taste delicious!
Storage Instructions
In fridge: Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
In freezer: Store chocolate almond butter bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove 10 minutes before eating to allow them to soften or store in the refrigerator for several hours.
More No-Bake Recipes:
No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Bars
Looking for an easy, oven-free dessert recipe? These no-bake chocolate almond butter bars require just 7 ingredients and no cooking time! The ultimate no-bake bars the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Raw
- Diet: Vegan
For the almond base layer:
- 1 cup natural almond butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup oat flour (ground rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
For the chocolate layer:
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if necessary)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Optional: 1 tsp flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl combine all almond layer ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Spread almond layer evenly in parchment-lined baking pan and place in the freezer while you make your chocolate layer.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second increments.
- Remove bars from freezer and spread chocolate layer evenly over top.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
- Place in the freezer until set (~30 minutes)
- Remove bars from freezer and lift parchment paper to remove bars from the baking pan.
- Slice into 12 bars (3 x 4). It helps to use a clean, wet knife for each slice to prevent sticking.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or longer in freezer.
