Whole Wheat Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
And would you look at that - it's September. September 6th. Oh, and it's my birthday tomorrow.
But my point wasn't that it's my birthday tomorrow (although I obviously was gonna stick that in somewhere). My point was that it's September. Which means it's back-to-school time. All you school-goers, I seriously feel your pain. I do not envy you in any way, no I do not.
But I have something that might cheer you up. It's these whole wheat almond butter chocolate chip bars.
I know, long name. Longer name to say than it would take me to eat an entire pan of these bars. But you know what we can do? We can just call them back-to-school bars. Because these bars really are perfect for school lunch boxes. And/or as a work snack.
Don't get me wrong, I love these whole wheat almond butter bars. But my sister? My sister LOVES these whole wheat almond butter bars. See the difference? Like, she's obsessed with them in a slightly (okay, more than slightly) worrisome way.
But anyway. Let's talk about why we all love these almond butter bars over at my place,.
How about starting with the fact that these almond butter chocolate chip bars are so quick and easy? Because they are. One bowl, a spatula, eight ingredients, one baking pan, parchment paper, an oven, and you're set.
And all the ingredients are wholesome. These bars use almond butter to replace the traditional butter or oil. And almond butter is not only nutrient-packed, it's also super delicious and lends these bars the richest, most addictive taste and texture.
These bars also contain 100% whole wheat flour only. Just a half cup of it.
And instead of granulated sugar, these almond butter bars use coconut sugar. But if you don't have that on hand, you can use brown sugar instead.
And of course, we've also got vanilla extract and salt in the recipe. DUH. And chocolate chunks. Lots and lots of melty, hot, oozing, bittersweet chocolate chunks. Or chocolate chips. Those work too.
Basically, these whole wheat almond butter bars are a healthier - and far richer - take on your average chocolate chip cookie bars. Meaning, they're way better. I'm serious.
And can we talk about the texture of these almond butter bars please? Because they're so friggin soft and chewy icanteven.
Oh, and if you think that because of all the wholesome ingredients in this recipe these bars taste "healthy" at all, do not worry, they do not.
These bars are easy, quick, soft, rich, dense, chewy, wholesome, packed with chocolate, and addictive. And they might even taste better a day or two after they're made.
Ready for school/work now?
Whole Wheat Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Yield: about 18 bars
1 cup natural almond butter
1 cup coconut sugar (or ¾ cup packed brown sugar)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some excess hanging over for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, stir together the almond butter and sugar until smooth mixture forms.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract vigorously until smooth. Next, stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Chop up chocolate (or use chocolate chips) and mix into dough.
Spread mixture into prepared baking pan evenly. Bake bars for about 20-23 minutes, or until edges are just golden.
Allow bars to cool completely before lifting them out of pan by the overhanging parchment paper. Slice into bars of desired size.
