Chocolate Almond Butter Squares
Highlighted under: Home Baking Collection
I absolutely love indulging in desserts that combine rich flavors and comforting textures. These Chocolate Almond Butter Squares are one of my all-time favorites because they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and nuttiness. The creamy almond butter intermingles beautifully with rich chocolate, creating a decadent treat that pleases everyone. Plus, they are simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. I’ve made these for gatherings and they always disappear in minutes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
When I first attempted these Chocolate Almond Butter Squares, I was amazed by how quickly they came together. The combination of melted chocolate and almond butter is a match made in dessert heaven. I discovered that using a quality dark chocolate not only enhances the flavor but also adds that irresistible shine to the squares.
I also recommend letting them chill in the refrigerator for a bit longer after cutting to really allow the flavors to meld. This extra patience transforms them into a rich, fudgy treat that’s hard to resist. Trust me; you’ll want to make a double batch!
Why You'll Love These Squares
- Intensely rich chocolate flavor complemented by nutty almond butter
- Irresistibly fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
In this recipe, almond butter is more than just a binder; it plays a crucial role in providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. Almond butter is nutrient-dense, which adds a hint of indulgence alongside its health benefits. If you find yourself without almond butter, feel free to substitute it with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, keeping in mind that each will subtly alter the final flavor profile.
Dark chocolate chips are the backbone of these squares, delivering that intense chocolate richness we all crave. Aim for a chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best balance of sweetness and bitterness. For a sweeter alternative, semi-sweet chocolate chips can work, but adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup accordingly to prevent overly sweet squares.
Perfecting the Texture
Achieving the perfect fudgy texture in these squares relies heavily on how well you melt the chocolate. When microwaving, ensure you don’t overheat the chocolate; it should be melted in 30-second intervals and stirred thoroughly until smooth and glossy. If the chocolate looks grainy or thickens unexpectedly, it might have overheated. If this happens, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil and reheating gently to restore its consistency.
Once combined with the almond butter and sweetener, the mixture should be thick but spreadable. Don’t fret if it seems too runny initially; refrigeration will help it set firmly. Remember to spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure uniform cooling and cutting later on.
Ingredients
For the Squares
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
Mix in Almond Butter
Add the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the melted chocolate. Stir until completely combined and smooth.
Prepare the Pan
Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Pour the chocolate-almond mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until the squares are firm and set.
Cut and Serve
Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut the chocolate almond butter slab into squares. Enjoy your delicious treats!
Pro Tips
- For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling. These squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storing Your Squares
These Chocolate Almond Butter Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you're planning to make them ahead for an event, just ensure they are completely set in the fridge before storing. The cool environment helps maintain their fudgy texture and keeps them fresh, preventing them from becoming too soft at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can freeze the squares. Cut them into individual pieces and layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months this way. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until slightly soft.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolaty delights can be served as-is, or you can elevate them by drizzling melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving. For a pop of flavor, consider garnishing with chopped nuts or shredded coconut to enhance the visual appeal and add a bit of crunch.
If you want to make a more elaborate dessert, try layering these squares with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. It creates a delightful contrast between the fudgy texture and the creamy coldness of the ice cream, resulting in a truly indulgent experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute almond butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! You can use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut butter you prefer.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for the best taste and texture.
→ Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar works perfectly as substitutes for honey.
→ Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan sweetener, this recipe can be completely vegan.
Chocolate Almond Butter Squares
I absolutely love indulging in desserts that combine rich flavors and comforting textures. These Chocolate Almond Butter Squares are one of my all-time favorites because they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and nuttiness. The creamy almond butter intermingles beautifully with rich chocolate, creating a decadent treat that pleases everyone. Plus, they are simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. I’ve made these for gatherings and they always disappear in minutes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Home Baking Collection
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Squares
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
Add the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the melted chocolate. Stir until completely combined and smooth.
Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Pour the chocolate-almond mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until the squares are firm and set.
Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut the chocolate almond butter slab into squares. Enjoy your delicious treats!
Extra Tips
- For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling. These squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 4g