Introduction

These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars are a deliciously wholesome treat perfect for any time of day. Combining the natural sweetness of dates and maple syrup with the hearty texture of oats and zucchini, they offer a tasty way to sneak in some veggies. Whether as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, these bars are sure to please.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 medjool dates, pitted
1–2 zucchini, grated and squeezed once (about 2 cups total, divided)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of kosher salt
Chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside about half of the grated zucchini and a portion of the chocolate chips to stir in later.
Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the rolled oats, olive oil, almond butter, maple syrup, pitted dates, eggs, baking soda, pinch of salt, and half of the grated zucchini. Blend until a smooth-ish batter forms.
Step 3: Stir the reserved grated zucchini and chocolate chips into the batter gently.
Step 4: Pour the batter into a greased square baking dish (9×9 inches or similar).
Step 5: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and gently springs back when pressed.
Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely for clean cuts, or enjoy warm right out of the oven.

Tips & Variations

Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
Try adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
If you prefer, substitute olive oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.
For a dairy-free option, ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free or omit entirely.

Storage

Store the zucchini bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave briefly or enjoy them cold. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini without squeezing out the liquid?

It’s best to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the bars from becoming soggy and to help them bake properly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Otherwise, regular oats might contain traces of gluten.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat, blending nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, almond butter, and fresh zucchini into a moist, flavorful snack or dessert. Naturally sweetened with medjool dates and maple syrup, these bars provide a perfect balance of health and taste, with optional chocolate chips adding a delightful touch of indulgence.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings (1 bar each, assuming 9×9 pan divided into 3x3 pieces) 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 medjool dates, pitted
1–2 zucchini, grated and squeezed once (about 2 cups total, divided)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of kosher salt

Topping

Chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Reserve about half of the grated zucchini and set aside some chocolate chips for later. Combine the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until a smooth-ish batter forms.
Mix and Bake: Stir the reserved zucchini and chocolate chips into the batter. Pour the mixture into a 9×9 inch square baking dish or similar. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back gently to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely for clean slices, or enjoy warm right out of the oven. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. These bars make a perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert served warm or cold.

Notes

Be sure to squeeze the grated zucchini to remove excess moisture to avoid soggy bars.
Medjool dates add natural sweetness; make sure they are pitted before blending.
For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers.
These bars can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips to your taste or omit entirely for less sugar.

Keywords: zucchini bars, almond butter bars, healthy snack, chocolate chip bars, baked snack, zucchini recipe