No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars (V, GF, Paleo): a 4-ingredient no bake recipe for thick, decadent almond butter bars topped with chocolate. Vegan, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Protein-Rich.
Did I ever tell you I used to be an almond butter-making maniac?
Alright, that was pretty dramatic. But totally true. Back in the day, I used to make almond butter at least twice a week. And I’m talking about HUGE batches. Why? Where did I put this almond butter? What was it used for? (This was before my favorite, super chewy gluten free almond butter chocolate chip cookies came along…)
Thanks for asking (kinda). Back in the day, about two years ago, I baked nonstop. I baked even more than I do now that I have a food blog (which is A LOT). Every day, I would make 4-6 batches of cookies. Then, I’d make nice cream (which was called banana soft serve back then), meal prep for the next two weeks, then spend the night putting together packages for my sisters.
But you already knew I was kinda… cray. Right? 😉 I know some people have to do this because they have kids and wives and husbands and extra folks to constantly mealprep/bake for. But not me. I did it because I was on a mission to make everything from scratch. I also did it because baking was my solace.
You might be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars?” I’m so glad you (kinda) asked again. 🙂 Well, back then, if I had prepared this recipe for you, I would have made the almond butter from scratch.
Right before making the recipe.
Oh me… oh my. Back then, I would have pulled out the food processor, opened up my bulk bag of almonds and blended for a good 5-15 minutes ’til I got just the perfect smooth consistency of creamy almond butter. Then, carefully transfer that mess-prone goop (scientific name for nut butter consistency) into a large Tupperware, spend like 15 good minutes wiping off flecks of almond butter goop that had flown all over the kitchen, then wash all the dishes (you know how long this takes when you have almond butter grease staunchly refusing to let go of its dish territory), then dry all the dishes (because: counter space, ‘nuff said), then make these bars.
And back then, that would be right before I went ahead and baked like 500 more cookies.
I was either cray or just not too sharp. For some reason, cray totally sounds better.
And with each new batch, I’d make a new batch of almond butter. At the time, it totally made sense. You want the almond butter to be super fresh, perfectly mixed, and… oh yeah: for everything to be as difficult and tedious as possible. Oh me…
Nowadays, I’m much more sane (kinda) and way more into things being as easy and simple as possible. That’s why I’m so happy to share these No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars with you. Plus, to totally discourage you ever from making almond butter or any nut butter right before you need to bake like 500 cookies.
These No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars are so ridiculously easy to make, so incredibly delicious, totally taste like Reese’s (that is, if Reese’s made almond butter cups) and one of my favorites. I got the idea for this recipe from my No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars.
You guys may or may not recall how insanely (there goes that word again lol) excited I was about those bars. They were my chance, my personal challenge to prove that no bake chocolate peanut butter bars could be made without all the dodgy ingredients: powdered sugar, graham crackers, butter, etc.
Many of you asked if you could make them with almond butter. So here we are, settling it once and for all. Why, yes, you can make them with almond butter. Woot woot!! Btw, please tell me that people still say “woot woot.” As usual, I’m like 1 full decade late to the slang game. Shall I remind you of my use of “cray?” I’ve totally got to start calling things “lit” too before that goes out.
Or did it already?
Anywho, I hope you seriously enjoy these No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars. Allow me to tell you all about them. They’re:
- made with just 4 ingredients
- vegan, gluten free, dairy-free
- so easy to make, I’ve had readers make a quadruple batch at once. Like, woah.
- thick, decadent, rich
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- taste like the almond butter version of Reese’s
- made with just the right ratio of chocolate and nut butter
- bursting with protein-rich awesomeness
- great for dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up
So, what do you think? Are you enticed by the super short ingredients list, or scintillated by the thought of Reese’s almond butter cups? Me, too! Grab a few kitchen tools and ingredients. Let’s do this! While I wait to hear what you think about this recipe, tell me:
What do you love to make from scratch?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤
☀︎ More Almond Butter Recipes
If you love No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars, you just love these:
Almond Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Whole Grain, Flourless)
Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Fudge Cups (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
No Bake Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Granola Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Whole Grain, Flourless)
Paleo Almond Butter Cups (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
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Here are a few items I used in today’s recipe. 🙂
Coconut Flour | Baking Pan (8-inch) | Glass Mixing Bowls
My Favorite Knife | Maple Syrup
- 1 cup natural, unsalted creamy almond butter
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 cup paleo vegan chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted, natural creamy almond butter
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan--you will need it later.
- Make the almond butter layer: In a medium bowl, add Almond Butter Layer ingredients: 1 cup almond butter, ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ cup coconut flour. Whisk until thickened and difficult to stir. Switch to folding with a rubber spatula until well-incorporated.
- Pour this almond butter mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer. Set aside.
- Make the chocolate topping: Use the double boiler method or the following. Add Chocolate Topping ingredients to a medium, microwave-safe bowl: 1 cup chocolate chips and ½ cup almond butter. Heat in 20-second increments until chocolate is softened and melty. Stir in between heating, until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the almond butter filling. Using a clean rubber spatula, smooth chocolate into an even layer. Tap the pan a few times to help even out the chocolate.
- Transfer pan to freezer. Freeze for 45-60 minutes, or until hardened. Remove from freezer and slice into 16 squares. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
More Almond Butter Recipes: my favorite Chewy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies and super easy 3 Ingredient Paleo Almond Butter Energy Bites.
- On the first day, these bars are best stored in the refrigerator. Serve and enjoy within 1 hour.
- After the first day, you may store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature (1-2 weeks), refrigerator (1-2 weeks). Starting week 2, the bars are a bit drier (like Reese’s PB cup filling), but still delicious.
- Nutrition Facts are an estimate, based on 16 bars for this recipe.
- These bars freeze well. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying. Or, heat in the microwave in 20-second increments until softened.
- More No Bake goodies: almond butter coconut bites, peanut butter truffles, trail mix bites.
- Paleo goodies: Paleo Almond Joy, Paleo Almond Butter Cups, No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars.
- Almond Butter Love recipes: chocolate chip almond butter walnut cookies, chocolate almond butter pretzel bites, almond butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
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☀︎ More delicious Paleo Vegan Dessert recipes
If you can’t get enough of chocolate + almond butter, try my super easy to make Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Fudge Cups (Paleo, V, GF, DF). SO. Good.
Who says paleo vegan treats can’t be ah-mazing? Make these incredible Paleo Vegan Chocolate Coconut Truffles and prove them all wrong. 😉
Since you love no bake, you might just love frozen desserts… Amiright? Try my Coconut Chocolate Chip Vegan Ice Cream… creamy, cool and refreshing paleo vegan + dairy-free deliciousness.
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Wow! I really admire your baking skills back then (and now too)! I’ve never made homemade almond butter before, but it’s on my list to do so. Sounds like you were overflowing with ALL of the food! Mmm and nice cream, I do love that and it’s been way too long since I’ve had some. You are the queen of no-bake recipes, Demeter! I’m loving that these gorgeous bars are just four ingredients. You really can’t get much easier (or more delicious!) than this. Pinning these beauties and can’t wait to make them. I’m love the chocolate and almond butter combo! Hope your week is off to a great start!
Aw, thanks G! 🙂 You’ve totally got to try it–but not before you have to bake like a million things. Lol. Thank you for the no-bake crown. 😉 I wear it (and drool over it) happily. Thank you for pinning and stopping by! Wishing you an awesome week ahead. xo
Hahaha! Demeter – I so so know what you mean about that almond butter grease that gets EVERYWHERE and, like you said, refuses”to let go of its dish territory” I still love making my own almond butter (mostly cos it doesn’t cost me a kidney and an arm) when I have the time – lately time has been in short supply for me – also in short supply are treats as decadent as these! You sure are a good almond-butter-making-maniac-sister to keep your sisters supplied with treats like these bars – though in the unlikely event that you end up with more of these bars than they are willing to take off your hands – well, I’d be delighted to help out! Just saying 😉
Riiiight? You do not mess with that ab grease! Lolol. Funny thing, around my parts almond butter and almonds cost about the same–so I just go for the ready made. Come on over, I saved ya nice big batch that my sisters “can’t” eat. 😉 🙂 Happy Monday!
Get in my belly. Enough said!
Oh yeah!!
First things first. And this is of utmost importance. Woot Woot is STILL cool. Says me. Because I say it all the time, so it just HAS to be cool, right?! Wait, since I’m the most uncool person on the planet, you probably should stop saying woot woot immediately. 😉 Second, I had ZERO clue you used to be an almond butter-making maniac! Oh I wish I was your bestie during THAT fun phase of your life! Now you are just a no-bake brainiac! (<– see what I did there?). These bars are FAB, just like all the rest of your no-bake bars! They look super creamy and uber dreamy… and most dangerous, because who in the world could eat just one (or 5) of these babies?! SO GOOD! Pinned of course! Cheers, sweets! And haaaaappy Galentine's Day!! XOXOXOX
Bahahahaha. Yep, you ALWAYS know how to make me crack up. Now that you said it’s cool, we can totally be “uncool/cool” together! Amiright??? <—There goes another antiquated little nugget for us to share. ???? No bake brainiac? Lolol. Yes, I saw it and it was spectacular. ???? Thanks for pinning, Chey! Happy Galentine's Day! xoxoxo
Woot woot for AB bars!!! Yep I still say it. If we if we keep saying it long enough it will probably become cool again…just like floral curtains???? I appreciate how you give all the nut butters their proper chance to be showcased, no playing mess-prone goop favorites. But since today is about AB I have to admit I had an almond butter phase too actually. It was more about excessive almond butter eating though, not making???? (Have you ever tried Justin’s vanilla AB? Probs not since you make your own. But I’m pretty sure there is crack (or frosting) in there, it’s too good.) I tried making my own once, overheated the food processor, never tried again. And honestly just the thought of that goopy greasy cleanup is enough to make me run to the store…I admire your lack of baking laziness???? Buying it also means one less step between me and me shoving THESE in my face, and I am all for speeding up that!! A batch of these and the PB ones so I can do a side-by-side please! And if ever you do go back to cray 500 cookies a day BB, I call at least 50 of them, kay? Love ya❤️❤️
Hahaha. That’s why we’re besties. We staunchly refuse to follow the times. ???? Now what’s this all about floral curtains? Do you have a set picked out for me? Lolol. I’ve never tried Justin’s vanilla AB. But now I’m super intrigued! Yes on the overheating–AB takes a lot longer than you would think. I will label at least 100 of these cookies for you. 😉 Love ya more! <3 <3
NO BAKE = so so so dangerous. I mean, that just makes them EASIER to eat!
Oh yeah!! Dangerously delicious! 😉
You are just the no-bake maven around these here parts! I love how simple the ingredient list is too!!
I have never been a woot woot-er, but I did use “lit” before, and my sister said to stop using that because I’m “too old”. To that I say “PISH POSH”.
Making my own nut butter is on my list of things to do…once I get a proper food processor! Until then, the jarred stuff will have to do 🙂
Thanks Jessica! That’s totally one of the best mavens to be. Lol. 😉 LOLOL on “lit.” I say use it as you please! I shall ditto your “pish posh!” Erik would definitely be in agreement with your use of that one. 😉 Happy nut-butter enjoying/future-making! xo
These almond bars look so creamy and delicious! LOVE them! Gorgeous photos as always, Demeter! 🙂 xo
Aw, thank you so much Marsha! I’m blushing! 🙂 xo
Would I be able to use almond flour instead of coconut and stevia instead of maple syrup? Thx!
Hi Romy, almond flour is lot less absorbent than coconut flour (like A LOT). I know a few people have tried using oat flour with success, but I worry that almond flour would not be sufficient for absorbing the almond butter and creating a nice, firm texture. I’d recommend starting with about 3/4 cup almond flour, and experimenting as needed. Same for the stevia! Good luck–let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Hi can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour? I bought a giant bag from Costco that I need to use.
Hi Valerie, so funny, I just got asked this question! 🙂 Here’s what I said, “…almond flour is a lot less absorbent than coconut flour (like A LOT). I know a few people have tried using oat flour with success, but I worry that almond flour would not be sufficient for absorbing the almond butter and creating a nice, firm texture. I’d recommend starting with about 3/4 cup almond flour, and experimenting as needed.” Hope this helps!
Hi,
Do you think I could use almond butter instead of coconut flour? I have an auto immune disease which is why I eat paleo but I also discovered I may be allergic to coconut:(
Hi Claudia, unfortunately, more almond butter won’t thicken the bars the way that coconut flour will. You *might* be able to use almond flour, but proceed with caution since almond flour is MUCH less absorbent than coconut flour. Start with 3/4 cup almond flour and experiment until you get the consistency you like (basically, they should be thick and dense enough to cut through.) So sorry to hear about your possible allergy to coconut. 🙁 Big hugs. xo
Thanks for your recipe!! These were easy to make and very yummy!! Any idea how many calories per bar?
Hi Christine! I just calculated the nutrition information. You can find it under the notes in the recipe. 🙂 Enjoy!
Thank you!
Easy and delicious healthy dessert!! Thank you! These lasted a week in my fridge and they were still awesome.
Hi Sara, that’s so wonderful to hear! I always try to create the easiest and healthiest desserts possible, so it’s such a treat (yep, pun intended lol) to hear when I hit the mark! Thanks for reporting back. Can’t wait to hear what you try next! 🙂
i love how simple these bars are…I am going to try them today for kiddos afterschool snack!! I am going to try with almond flour and let you know how it works!
I think these are going to go over well!! They are super tasty and took me under 5 minutes to throw together. I used only 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup cassava, 1/3 cup almond flour, and 1/4 cup golden flax meal. I also mixed in some vit d emulsion for fun, and used half cashew butter! Thank you for an quick and easy recipe!
I made these today and I’m sad that I find them bland. 🙁 I don’t want to throw them out (almond butter isn’t cheap!). Any thoughts?
Hi Jamie, so sorry to hear that! No one’s ever told me that these are bland. 🙁 Maybe try adding in a pinch of salt, or increasing the amount of chocolate in the topping?
YUMMMMM…..delicious! Just as good as it looks. This was my first try at using coconut flour and making any goodies! Worth the small effort! Thanks for the recipe!
Woohoo!! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my recipe, Candi! 🙂 Coconut flour can kinda be daunting (I’ve got to be honest haha), so I’m super happy that your first experience was fantastic. Thank you for stopping by & letting me know!
Can you tell me what brand of paleo chocolate you recommend? Thanks!!!
I can’t eat maple syrup – absolutely no sugar, can I substitute it for another sweetener like erythritrol?
Have you tried sugar free maple syrup? That might work! Found here: https://amzn.to/2L7tt6X
This is awesome! I made my own chocolate : 3/4 cup coconut oil, 3/4 cocoa powder, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tsp of vanilla. I got the grind your own almond butter at the store, so it was alittle chunky, but this turned out awesome!!!!
I love it!!! That topping must’ve been incredible. And that grind your own almond butter… mmm mmm! 😍😋
Hi! I want to make this recipe this weekend, do you know if I could use honey instead of maple syrup? And peanut butter instead of almond butter? Just trying to use what I already have on hand so I don’t have to go out and buy anything else. Thanks!!
Hi Amanda! Yep, those swaps should be just fine. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the bars!