How to Create Sweet Chocolate Almond Butter Bites
When it comes to snacking, who doesn’t love the sound of a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy? Well, chocolate almond butter bites could be your new go-to snack. These little delights are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging. The best part? You can make them at home with a few simple ingredients. So, let’s dive into the world of making sweet chocolate almond butter bites that will have you and your loved ones reaching for more!
Ingredients:
Before we start, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of almond butter
- 1/2 cup of coconut flour or almond flour (for a gluten-free option)
- 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup or honey
- A pinch of salt (optional, but it brings out the flavors)
- 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (choose a brand that you enjoy)
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Steps to Sweetness:
1. Mix the Base
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the almond butter, coconut or almond flour, maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt. The goal is to create a dough that’s not too sticky but holds together well when shaped. If the mixture seems too sticky, you can add a little more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Shape the Bites
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it into bite-sized balls. This part is fun and feels a bit like playing with playdough. Use a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop to get even-sized pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to form smooth balls. Lay these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; their rustic charm is part of the delight!
3. Freeze
This step requires a bit of patience. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the balls firm up for about 30 minutes. This will make them easier to coat in chocolate later on.
4. Melt the Chocolate
While the almond butter balls are chilling, it’s time to melt the chocolate. You can do this using a double boiler on the stove or a microwave. For the double boiler method, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth and glossy. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate and coconut oil in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between until melted.
5. Coat the Bites in Chocolate
Now, the moment of truth! Remove the almond butter balls from the freezer. One by one, drop them into the melted chocolate, rolling them around with a fork to ensure they’re completely coated. Lift them out of the chocolate, letting any excess drip off, then place them back on the lined baking sheet.
6. Chill Again
Once all your almond butter bites are coated in chocolate, it’s time to chill them again. Pop them in the fridge for about an hour, or until the chocolate is set. This wait is the hardest part, but it’s worth it!
Serve and Enjoy:
And just like that, you’ve made sweet chocolate almond butter bites! These can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Customization Tips:
- Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or even add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle sea salt, shredded coconut, or cacao nibs on top of the chocolate before it sets.
- If you’re vegan, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
These chocolate almond butter bites are more than just a snack; they’re a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. By making these at home, you control what goes into them, ensuring that you’re indulging in a treat that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, give these bites a try. They might just become your new favorite snack!