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Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe


  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for any time of day. Combining the natural sweetness of medjool dates and maple syrup with nutrient-rich zucchini and almond butter, these bars offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Rolled oats add heartiness, while optional chocolate chips provide a touch of indulgence. Baked to golden perfection, they make an ideal snack, breakfast, or dessert that can be enjoyed warm or cold.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 8 medjool dates, pitted
  • 2 eggs
  • 12 zucchini, grated and squeezed once (about 2 cups total, divided)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Topping

  • Chocolate chips (optional, for topping and mixing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare a square baking dish, ideally 9×9 inches or similar size, for the batter.
  2. Prepare the batter: Set aside about half of the grated and squeezed zucchini and the chocolate chips for folding in later. In a blender or food processor, combine the rolled oats, olive oil, almond butter, maple syrup, pitted medjool dates, eggs, baking soda, pinch of kosher salt, and the remaining half of grated zucchini. Blend until a smooth-ish batter forms but still retains some texture.
  3. Combine ingredients: Stir in the reserved grated zucchini and chocolate chips gently into the batter to distribute evenly.
  4. Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and gently springs back when pressed lightly with a finger.
  5. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish to achieve clean, perfect cuts. They can be served warm immediately if desired, or chilled and enjoyed later. Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of chocolate chips or omit them to keep the bars less sweet.
  • Grated zucchini should be squeezed once to remove excess moisture but not over-squeezed to maintain moisture content.
  • For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
  • These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to one week, and can also be frozen for longer storage.
  • Use medjool dates for natural sweetness, but dried dates can be substituted if soaked and softened beforehand.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Almond butter, chocolate chip, zucchini bars, healthy snack, gluten free option, baked bars, oat bars, zucchini recipe