Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Squares
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love making these Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Squares as they are a wonderful blend of flavors and energy-boosting ingredients. They are perfect for a quick snack, satisfying my sweet tooth while fueling my busy days. I appreciate how simple they are to prepare, requiring no baking and just a few wholesome ingredients. Whether I pack them for lunch or enjoy them post-workout, they give me that extra push I need. Plus, they keep well in the fridge, making them a convenient treat anytime I crave something sweet.
When I first experimented with these energy squares, I was searching for a healthier snack option that still felt indulgent. After some trial and error, I found the perfect balance of chocolate and almond butter, which provides both flavor and sustenance. The key is using a high-quality almond butter, as it enhances the creaminess and rich taste that I wanted.
To make them even more delightful, I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling them in the refrigerator. This little touch elevates the flavor, creating that irresistible sweet and salty combo. Trust me, once you try these, you'll want to keep them on hand!
Why You'll Love These Energy Squares
- Nutty almond flavor combined with rich chocolate
- No baking required, making it a quick and easy treat
- Packed with energy for a busy day, yet guilt-free
The Balance of Flavors
The combination of nutty almond butter and rich cocoa powder creates a harmonious balance that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. The almond butter not only adds a creaminess but also provides healthy fats and protein, making these energy squares a nourishing choice. The honey or maple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness to complement the dark chocolate chips, ensuring each bite is indulgent yet wholesome.
The subtle hint of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, making the energy squares more inviting. When mixing the ingredients, look for a consistency that is thick yet malleable; this ensures the squares hold together once chilled. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more almond butter, while too wet can be thickened with a touch of cocoa powder or oats.
Preparation Tips for Perfect Squares
To achieve perfect squares, it’s vital to press the mixture firmly into the pan. A flat spatula or even your hands can help distribute the mixture evenly across the bottom, preventing them from breaking apart when you cut them later. Take your time with this step, ensuring there are no air pockets; this will lead to a firmer and more cohesive texture once set in the refrigerator.
After chilling for at least one hour, the squares can be tricky to remove if not lined properly. Ensure you line your pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to assist with lifting them out later. If you find them too sticky, try chilling them for an additional 15-30 minutes before cutting to make the process smoother.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your energy squares.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious energy squares.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until well blended.
Press into a Pan
Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly, ensuring even distribution.
Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to set. Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into squares.
Enjoy!
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These squares are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize your squares with add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. You can also adjust sweetness to your preference by using less or more honey or maple syrup.
Storage and Shelf Life
These Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each square separately in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
For optimal freshness and flavor, consume the squares within three months of freezing. If you prefer to enjoy them chilled, you can eat them straight from the fridge after thawing, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize these energy squares by adding ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, or other nut butters. For example, adding 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries or diced apricots can introduce a delightful chewiness and natural sweetness. You could also swap almond butter for cashew or peanut butter if you prefer those flavors, keeping the same proportions to maintain the balance.
If you're looking to reduce the sugar content, consider omitting the chocolate chips or replacing them with cacao nibs for a less sweet, yet still chocolatey bite. Experimenting with different extracts, like almond or hazelnut, can also give these energy squares a unique twist!
Questions About Recipes
→ How do I store these energy squares?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I use another nut butter?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
→ Are these squares gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free oats, these energy squares are gluten-free.
→ Can I freeze these energy squares?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Squares
I love making these Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Squares as they are a wonderful blend of flavors and energy-boosting ingredients. They are perfect for a quick snack, satisfying my sweet tooth while fueling my busy days. I appreciate how simple they are to prepare, requiring no baking and just a few wholesome ingredients. Whether I pack them for lunch or enjoy them post-workout, they give me that extra push I need. Plus, they keep well in the fridge, making them a convenient treat anytime I crave something sweet.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until well blended.
Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly, ensuring even distribution.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to set. Once firm, remove from the pan and cut into squares.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize your squares with add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. You can also adjust sweetness to your preference by using less or more honey or maple syrup.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g