These bars are actually inspired my Nonnie's recipe for Special K-Bars, only I went ahead and made them health bars that taste like dessert…maybe even something better, if that is possible. My mom says to add that these are honestly one of her top five recipes on the blog.
- These seed bars offer a delightful textural contrast, with the crunchy buckwheat and almonds complementing the soft chia seeds and smooth chocolate coating.
- Crafted as a dessert alternative, these bars are ideal for special occasions or simply as an indulgent treat that doesn’t feel like one due to their health benefits and creamy texture.
- The combination of almond butter, honey, and coconut sugar creates a rich, slightly sweet base that perfectly complements the chocolate chips and seeds, resulting in a superfood-packed bar that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed straight from the fridge or stored for up to a week, making them a great option for gatherings where you want something quick yet impressive.
These superfood seed bars are perfect for home cooks and families looking to enjoy a quick, healthy dessert. They're simple to make and packed with nutrients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and dark chocolate chips. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just want an easy treat, these magical chocolate almond butter bars will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on health.
10 MINUTE MAGICAL CHOCOLATE ALMOND BUTTER SUPER FOOD SEED BARS.
Ingredients
Method
- Rub a 9x13 inch baking dish with coconut or olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, combine the buckwheat, pistachios, coconut, slivered almonds, chia seeds, cocoa nibs and hemp seeds. Add a pinch of salt if using raw pistachios.
- In a large pot, add the almond butter, honey and coconut sugar. Set the pot over medium heat, stirring often until melted and smooth. Once the mixture starts to bubble, let it cook for 1 minute and then immediately remove from the heat.
- Working quickly, add the seed/nut mix to the almond butter mixture and stir until combined. Press into the prepared the pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips with 1 heaping tablespoon almond butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate/almond butter over the bars and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle the top with cocoa nibs if desired, cover and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into 18-24 bars. Store for up to 1 week in the fridge or 4 days on the counter in a cool place. My family personally loves these straight from the fridge!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 307 kcal |
| Total fat | 24 g |
| Saturated fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Sodium | 33 mg |
Nutrition values are reproduced from the source recipe data and are not estimated by the pipeline.
Main Ingredients at a Glance
| Main ingredient | Amount | Role in the recipe |
|---|---|---|
| raw buckwheat | 1 cup | Raw buckwheat provides a nutty texture and slightly chewy consistency to the bars. It's also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. |
| raw or roasted pistachios | 1 cup | Pistachios offer a delightful crunch and are packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Adding a pinch of salt enhances their flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. |
| unsweetened coconut flakes | 1 cup | Coconut flakes add a tropical touch to the bars and provide a creamy texture. They're also low in calories and rich in healthy fats, making them an excellent addition to this recipe. |
| sliced almonds | 1 cup | Sliced almonds bring a nutty flavor and crunchy element to the bars. They are high in monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E, which contribute to their overall health benefits. |
| chia seeds | 1/2 cup | Chia seeds add moisture and bind ingredients together, resulting in a chewier texture. |
| cocoa nibs | 1/2 cup | Cocoa nibs provide a deep chocolate flavor without the added sugar found in traditional cocoa powder. They are high in flavanols and can help lower blood pressure. |
| + 1 heaping tablespoon creamy almond butter | 1 cup | Almond butter adds richness and creaminess to the bars while providing a boost of healthy fats and protein. It's also lower in sugar compared to traditional peanut butter. |
| dark chocolate chips | 3 cups | Contributes to the recipe's flavor, structure or final texture. |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Used for | Recommended feature |
|---|---|---|
| Large cooking pot | Provides room for boiling or simmering. | A stable base and a well-fitting lid. |
| Baking dish | Holds the assembled recipe during oven cooking. | Oven-safe construction with practical handles. |
| Mixing bowl | Combines and holds ingredients during preparation. | A stable bowl with enough capacity for comfortable mixing. |
Ingredient Notes
- raw buckwheat (I like using Bobs Red Mill)
- Raw buckwheat provides a nutty texture and slightly chewy consistency to the bars. It's also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals.
- raw or roasted pistachios (if using raw, add 1/2 teaspoon salt)
- Pistachios offer a delightful crunch and are packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Adding a pinch of salt enhances their flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- unsweetened coconut flakes
- Coconut flakes add a tropical touch to the bars and provide a creamy texture. They're also low in calories and rich in healthy fats, making them an excellent addition to this recipe.
- sliced almonds
- Sliced almonds bring a nutty flavor and crunchy element to the bars. They are high in monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E, which contribute to their overall health benefits.
- chia seeds
- Chia seeds add moisture and bind ingredients together, resulting in a chewier texture.
- cocoa nibs
- Cocoa nibs provide a deep chocolate flavor without the added sugar found in traditional cocoa powder. They are high in flavanols and can help lower blood pressure.
- hemp seeds
- Hemp seeds offer a mild nutty taste and are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential amino acids.
- + 1 heaping tablespoon creamy almond butter (divided)
- Almond butter adds richness and creaminess to the bars while providing a boost of healthy fats and protein. It's also lower in sugar compared to traditional peanut butter.
Optional Substitutions
- For a nut-free option, you can substitute the pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This substitution will slightly alter the texture and flavor but still result in a delicious bar.
- If you prefer not to use honey, you can replace it with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version of these bars. The taste may be slightly different, but the nutritional profile remains similar.
- For those who are allergic to almonds, you can substitute them with hazelnuts or cashews. This substitution will change the texture and flavor slightly, as each nut has its unique characteristics.
- To reduce the sugar content, consider using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in lieu of honey or coconut sugar. The bars may be less sweet but still maintain their overall taste profile.
- If you are looking to make these bars gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can also substitute buckwheat with another gluten-free flour such as almond flour or rice flour for a similar texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- To ensure your seed bars are perfectly set, chill them in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, consider adding a bit more honey or maple syrup. Just be mindful of the overall calorie count and adjust accordingly.
- For a crunchier texture, add a handful of finely chopped walnuts to your mix. They complement the chocolate and almond butter nicely.
- To make these bars vegan-friendly, ensure all ingredients are plant-based. You can also use coconut oil instead of olive or coconut oil for greasing the pan.
- If you have leftover melted chocolate, consider using it in a different recipe like cookies or brownies to save money and reduce waste.
- For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some dark chocolate over the top before chilling. This will give your bars a rich, luxurious finish.
- They are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- One common mistake is not properly coating the nuts and seeds in almond butter, leading to a dry texture. To avoid this, ensure you mix all ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly coated.
- Another frequent error is adding too much honey or coconut sugar, which can result in overly sweet bars. Adjust your measurements based on taste preference for a more balanced flavor profile.
- Always stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as you notice bubbling to maintain its smooth consistency.
- Not chilling the chocolate-almond butter layer long enough before cutting can result in a soft, unappealing bar. Allow at least one hour in the refrigerator for the layers to firm up properly.
- Using raw pistachios without adding salt can lead to an under-seasoned mixture. Adding a pinch of salt is recommended if using raw pistachios to enhance their flavor and prevent bitterness.
Optional Variations
- – Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the almond butter mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- – For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of the pistachios.
- – Top with crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and texture.
- – Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
- – Garnish with fresh berries or chopped mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these magical chocolate almond butter super food seed bars as a delightful dessert or snack. Place them on a serving plate and garnish with fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for an extra pop of flavor. These bars are perfect to enjoy straight from the fridge, where they maintain their best texture and freshness. For those who prefer something sweeter, you can serve them alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Storage
Store these bars in the refrigerator for up to one week or at room temperature for four days. They are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, but can be stored longer if kept in a cool place. Keep them covered and consume within their optimal freshness window for the best texture and flavor.
How to Reheat
This gentle reheating approach helps maintain their texture without drying them out or overcooking. Serve with a dollop of coconut yogurt or fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
Freezing
These bars are perfect for freezing. To thaw, let the bars sit at room temperature until they reach their optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the texture of these bars is not too chewy or too hard?
To achieve a perfect texture, make sure to combine all ingredients thoroughly in step g1s4. For firmer bars, allow them to chill longer or even overnight.
What can I do if I don't have almond butter on hand?
If you don’t have almond butter, you could use a mixture of peanut butter and honey instead. Adjust the amount of honey based on how runny your chosen nut butter is to achieve a similar consistency.
How should I store these bars for best results?
If you prefer them cold, place them in the refrigerator.
Are there any variations I could try with these bars?
You could experiment by adding other seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or incorporating different types of chocolate such as white or milk for a twist. Another idea is to add some finely chopped dried fruit for extra flavor and moisture.
What should I do if I have leftovers?
They are perfect as a quick snack, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
How do I cut these bars into the recommended size?
This will help prevent the bars from sticking and ensure clean cuts.
Final Thoughts
These magical chocolate almond butter super food seed bars are a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for any time of day. With their rich chocolate coating and crunchy texture, they're sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Store them in the fridge or on the counter for up to a week.