If you’ve ever wanted to merge the gooey indulgence of a chocolate chip bar with wholesome, feel-good ingredients, Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars will absolutely sweep you off your feet. These beauties have all the fudgy richness you crave, with a soft bite from finely grated zucchini and a sweet nuttiness from almond butter. This recipe is a winner at gatherings, satisfies those afternoon snack attacks, and sneaks in veggies in the most delicious way possible!

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into these bars: the lineup is simple, each ingredient shining in its own way and creating magic together. No extras, just the fundamentals that make every bite memorable.

Almond Butter: Brings creamy richness and nutty depth, binding everything together and adding healthy fats.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweetness that plays perfectly alongside the chocolate and keeps things moist.
Eggs: Help bind the bars and give them lift, ensuring a tender but not crumbly texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate and nutty flavors with its signature warmth.
Grated Zucchini: Adds serious moisture, plus a sneaky veggie boost… and no, you won’t taste it!
Almond Flour: Keeps these gluten-free and lends subtle nuttiness and softness.
Baking Soda: Gives just the right amount of loft for perfectly fluffy, cakey bars.
Cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice note that lifts all the sweet and nutty flavors.
Salt: A pinch rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness just enough.
Dark Chocolate Chips or Chunks: The star of the show! Pops of rich chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides—this makes lifting your finished Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars out of the pan such a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter, your sweetener of choice (maple syrup or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until it’s beautifully smooth and glossy—literally the foundation of your bars’ rich texture.

Step 3: Add the Zucchini

Time for that secret ingredient: zucchini! Make sure you’ve squeezed out as much excess moisture as possible (a clean kitchen towel works wonders for this step). Fold the grated zucchini into your wet mixture, blending completely so it disappears like magic.

Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix gently to combine—overmixing is the enemy of tenderness here. The resulting batter will be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part: chocolate! Fold the dark chocolate chips or chunks into the batter, dispersing them evenly so you get chocolaty goodness in every bite.

Step 6: Bake

Scoop the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let them cool completely in the pan—patience pays off here and makes slicing so much easier.

How to Serve Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

Garnishes

I love scattering a few extra chocolate chips or a pinch of flaky sea salt across the top of the bars just after baking—they look gorgeous and give a little extra pizzazz to the finished treat.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these bars with a tall glass of cold almond milk, a frothy oat latte, or fresh berries for a well-rounded snack plate. They’re lovely as part of a brunch spread, alongside yogurt and fruit, or paired with afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with toothpicks. Stack them high like a dessert tower, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for the cutest grab-and-go snack or lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bars are fully cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days—if they even last that long!

Freezing

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

If you’re craving that just-baked vibe, microwave a bar for 10 to 15 seconds. This gives the chocolate that dreamy, melty texture and the bars a freshly-baked warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is key to keeping these bars gluten-free and providing that lovely moist texture, but if you’re okay with gluten, a 1-to-1 swap with all-purpose flour should work (just keep an eye on the baking time as it may change slightly).

How do I get zucchini as dry as possible?

Grate your zucchini using the fine holes of a box grater, then wrap the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink. You’ll be amazed at how much liquid drains out!

Can I make Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars vegan?

Yes! You can try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and maple syrup as your sweetener. Expect them to be a touch denser, but still totally delicious.

Do you taste the zucchini?

Not at all! The zucchini simply melts into the background and adds moisture. Kids and picky eaters are never the wiser, but you get a sneaky serving of veggies in every bar.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

Go with whatever you love—dark chocolate if you want a less-sweet, intense flavor, semi-sweet for classic crowd-pleasing vibes, or dairy-free chips to keep your bars completely dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly amazing how a humble veggie and pantry staples transform into something as swoon-worthy as Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars. I hope you give these a try and share them with your favorite people—there’s nothing like baking a little extra love into your day!

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe