When I was young, my mother used to make these. I've finally discovered a recipe, and they taste even better than I recall. I'm excited to share them this year.

Chocolate-covered almond butter bars are a delightful treat that combines the nutty richness of almond butter with the smooth decadence of chocolate. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want to indulge your sweet tooth with something homemade and heartfelt. These bars are a hit at family gatherings and make for a lovely dessert to share with friends. The recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for a fun baking project with the kids.

These chocolate-covered almond butter bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon snack, serve them alongside a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you're hosting a gathering, consider adding some fresh berries on the side to complement the rich flavors of the bars.

Servings: 12

1 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (for chocolate topping)

Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter, honey, and 1/4 cup coconut oil. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, rolled oats, and salt until fully incorporated.

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate over the almond butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.

Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For a nut-free version, substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter. If you prefer a sweeter treat, use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty twist. For added texture, mix in some chopped almonds or other nuts into the almond butter base.