Chocolate Raspberry Almond Snack Bars
Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Recipes
I absolutely love creating quick, healthy snack options that don’t skimp on flavor, and these Chocolate Raspberry Almond Snack Bars are a perfect example. They combine the richness of chocolate with the tartness of raspberries, all held together with crunchy almonds for a satisfying bite. These bars are perfect as an afternoon treat or a pre-workout snack. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, I can whip them up in no time, and they always disappear fast in my household!
When I first set out to make these bars, I wanted to create something nutritious that my kids would actually enjoy eating. The combination of chocolate and raspberry turned out to be a game-changer for us. Using almond flour as a base not only makes them gluten-free but adds a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the fruit perfectly.
I've found that by lightly toasting the almonds before mixing them in, the bars take on an extra layer of flavor that elevates the entire treat. This little tip ensures a richer taste with every bite, and it’s now a requirement whenever I make these bars!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Rich chocolate flavor complemented by tart raspberries
- Nutty crunch from toasted almonds adds depth
- Perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack or treat
The Role of Almond Flour
Almond flour is a key ingredient in these snack bars, providing a gluten-free base that adds a lovely nuttiness. Unlike traditional flour, almond flour retains moisture, resulting in a denser and chewier texture. This is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of snack bars when they cool, preventing them from becoming overly dry or crumbly.
When choosing almond flour, opt for a finely ground variety that blends easily with the other ingredients. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute with sunflower seed flour, which will give a similar texture while keeping the bars allergy-friendly.
Raspberry Handling Tips
Raspberries add a vibrant flavor and natural sweetness to the bars, but they can be delicate. Gently fold them in right before pressing the mixture into the pan to minimize breaking. Aim to keep some whole raspberries intact in the mix for bursts of flavor in each bite.
If fresh raspberries are unavailable, feel free to use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before incorporating them into the mixture to prevent soggy bars. This will help maintain the bars' structure while still delivering that delicious tartness.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Topping
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, rolled oats, cocoa powder, honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Fold in Ingredients
Gently fold in the raspberries and toasted almonds, being careful not to crush the raspberries too much.
Press into Pan
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top with the back of a spatula.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
Add Topping
To prepare the topping, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Drizzle over the cooled bars and let set.
Cut and Serve
Once the chocolate has hardened, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.
Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
Storage and Freshness
After cutting your snack bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them to last longer, refrigerating them will extend their freshness for approximately two weeks. I often keep some in the freezer for a quick on-the-go snack—just freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container for easy grabbing.
These bars can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature, but if you like a soft texture, let them sit out for a few minutes before eating. If they seem too firm after chilling, a quick microwave for about 10-15 seconds will soften them up nicely.
Delicious Variations
If you want to switch things up, consider incorporating other fruits like blueberries or chopped strawberries. These fruits have similar moisture content and will blend well with the dry ingredients without disrupting the bar's structure. For a unique twist, add a dash of orange zest to complement the chocolate and raspberries.
For added nutrition and flavor, try mixing in flaxseeds or chia seeds. These not only boost the fiber content but also help bind the bars together. Just remember to increase your liquid slightly to account for these dry ingredients.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute almond flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour, but the texture will be different.
→ How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! They freeze well for up to three months. Just wrap them individually.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a substitute.
Chocolate Raspberry Almond Snack Bars
I absolutely love creating quick, healthy snack options that don’t skimp on flavor, and these Chocolate Raspberry Almond Snack Bars are a perfect example. They combine the richness of chocolate with the tartness of raspberries, all held together with crunchy almonds for a satisfying bite. These bars are perfect as an afternoon treat or a pre-workout snack. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, I can whip them up in no time, and they always disappear fast in my household!
Created by: Abigail Moore
Recipe Type: Everyday Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Topping
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, rolled oats, cocoa powder, honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Gently fold in the raspberries and toasted almonds, being careful not to crush the raspberries too much.
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top with the back of a spatula.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
To prepare the topping, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Drizzle over the cooled bars and let set.
Once the chocolate has hardened, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.
Extra Tips
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g