Almond Butter & Chocolate Chip Blondies
A Sweet and Nutty Treat You’ll Love
Looking for a dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t come with the guilt? These Almond Butter and Chocolate Chip Blondies are the perfect blend of rich, nutty flavors and gooey chocolate goodness. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this treat satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things on the healthier side. Whether you’re craving a snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or need a quick dessert for guests, these blondies are an easy win.
What makes them even better is their versatility! Naturally gluten-free and refined-sugar-free, you can easily customize them to suit different diets or preferences. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so decadent. Get ready to fall in love with every soft, chewy bite.
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How to Make Your Own Almond Butter
Making your own almond butter is easier than you might think! With just one ingredient—almonds—and a good food processor, you can create smooth, creamy almond butter in no time.
Homemade almond butter is fresher, free of additives, and perfect for recipes like these blondies!
Here’s how to do it:
Homemade Almond Butter
Equipment
- 1 Food processor or high-powered blender
- 1 Baking sheet (if roasting almonds)
- 1 Airtight jar (for storage)
- 1 Spatula (to scrape down sides)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almonds (raw or roasted)
- Optional: Pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon honey, or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavoring)
Instructions
Roast the almonds (optional but recommended for flavor):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. Let the almonds cool slightly before blending.
Blend the almonds:
- Add the almonds to your food processor or blender. Begin blending on high speed. At first, the almonds will become crumbly, then form a thick paste, and eventually turn into smooth almond butter. This process takes about 10-15 minutes depending on your equipment. Be patient, and stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
Add flavorings (optional):
- Once the almond butter is smooth and creamy, you can add a pinch of salt for taste, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Blend for another minute to incorporate the add-ins.
Store the almond butter:
- Transfer the almond butter to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Stir it before each use, as natural oils from the almonds may separate over time.
Notes
- Blending time: The key to smooth almond butter is patience. The longer you blend, the smoother the butter will become. Don’t be alarmed if it seems crumbly at first—it will eventually turn creamy.
- Roasting for flavor: Roasting the almonds before blending brings out their natural oils and enhances the flavor of the butter.
- Avoid overheating: Be mindful of your food processor overheating. If it becomes too warm, stop and allow the machine to cool down for a few minutes before continuing.
- Refrigeration: For best results, store homemade almond butter in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. The cold temperature keeps the oils from turning rancid and maintains the creamy consistency.
- Room Temperature: If you prefer to store it at room temperature, make sure it’s in a cool, dry place, and consume within 1-2 weeks. The natural oils may separate, so stir before each use.
Blondies, Your Way: Try These Tasty Variations
One of the best things about these Almond Butter and Chocolate Chip Blondies is how easily they can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter. It keeps the same creamy texture and adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Vegan Blondies: Make these blondies completely plant-based by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes). Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to complete the vegan transformation.
Add Some Crunch: If you love a bit of crunch, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans into the batter. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the chewy blondies.
Lower-Sugar Version: If you’re watching your sugar intake, use sugar-free chocolate chips or cocoa nibs. You can also reduce the maple syrup by a couple of tablespoons for a less sweet but equally delicious treat.
Spiced Twist: For a cozy flavor twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. This is especially wonderful during the cooler months for a bit of warm spice.
Double the Chocolate: If you can’t get enough chocolate, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or even drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top of the blondies after they’ve cooled for an extra indulgent touch.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own perfect batch of blondies!
Almond Butter and Chocolate Chip Blondies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large for the batter and one small for wet ingredients)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon (for mixing the batter)
- 1 Whisk (for combining wet ingredients)
- 1 8x8 inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
- Oven mitts (for safely handling the hot baking pan)
- 1 Cooling rack (to cool the blondies after baking)
- 1 Knife (for cutting the blondies into squares)
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter (smooth or chunky, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan version)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added flavor depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (to give a bit of rise)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet, your choice)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts for added crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Tip: If your almond butter is a bit thick, you can slightly warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the sea salt and baking soda to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and any optional chopped nuts). You can also reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Tip: For a gooey texture, slightly underbake the blondies and let them cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Bake, Enjoy, and Share Your Experience!
These Almond Butter and Chocolate Chip Blondies are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, offering a healthier way to satisfy your dessert cravings. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a mid-week treat, these blondies are a delicious reminder that wholesome ingredients can still deliver big on flavor.
Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to bake and enjoy! We’d love to hear how your blondies turned out—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more clean and tasty recipes like this one!