These gooey, sweet, and perfectly chewy Almond Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars are a great treat to have around for a heathy snack or dessert. They’re paleo, vegan, gluten-free, easy to make and total comfort food!
I’m sure I’ve told you about my ridiculous PB&J streak? Maybe you haven’t heard. No, it’s not about me streaking with PB&J, it’s about the lunch I ate for 5 years straight somewhere between the ages of 19-24. Maybe longer, it’s so hard to remember back that long!
But anyway, I know I’ve told this story before, but Adam makes fun of me whenever he gets a chance about that lunch. You see, we worked together, LONG LONG ago, and, I brought an identical sandwich to work every day.
The sandwich was – peanut butter (creamy, lots of it) jelly (always strawberry), and sliced bananas. On some sort of multigrain bread, because I was really into “healthy” whole grain bread back in those days. Can you blame me? Saving money and eating the most delicious lunch every invented, I don’t see how any of that is funny in the least.
As it turns out – and coming from a formerly addicted PB&J’er, I mean this – you can recreate the flavor and texture of your old favorite sandwich and make it Paleo. Actually, you can make it BETTER.
Trust me, it’s true – because here we are turning them into cookie bars, which are better than a sandwich. That old whole grain bread just doesn’t do it for me the way it used to.
I had two “challenges” for this recipe. First, I wanted to make them vegan – because why not.
I become too reliant on eggs if I don’t make something vegan once in awhile. Second, I NEEDED all 3 of my kids to like these.
Because then, I’d know for sure that they legitimately taste like actual non-paleo PB&J. I only had to try twice to get my sweet success!
These are similar to traditional cookie bars in that the crust and crumb top are from the same mixture, with the filling in the middle.
The jelly is made with just 2 ingredients (strawberries and maple syrup) and seriously – who knew you could make jelly taste like this one with two ingredients?!
My kids thought it tasted like candy – not joking. See for yourself! The jelly alone might become a staple for you!
As for the almond butter – it’s no ordinary almond butter! The one I used for my cookie bars is from Naturally More – and it’s MORE than just almond butter (hehe). Their almond butter is all natural and infused with probiotics and flax. Probiotics! How cool is that?!
They use the freshest, highest quality California almonds and roast them to perfection, then tops them off with a dash of sea salt, a hint of coconut sugar (my FAVE!), and a sprinkling of heart-healthy flaxseed for some added crunch.
The flavor is just BEYOND what you’d typically expect from store bought almond butter. The probiotic are the “icing” on the almond butter cake. So to speak 🙂
These yummy almond butter and jelly cookie bars are sponsored by Naturally More – you can find more info and products on their website 🙂
Almond Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars {Paleo & Vegan}
Almond Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars {Paleo & Vegan}
Ingredients
For the cookie crust and crumble top
- 3/4 cup almond butter** Naturally More or other creamy drippy almond butter
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coconut oil melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt and tbsp extra tbsp maple if you're using unsweetened/unsalted almond butter**
- For the Jelly* -
- 3 cup strawberries frozen or fresh
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- Topping - 2-3 extra tbsp almond butter
Instructions
To Make the Jelly
-
Place strawberries and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to avoid the syrup from burning. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook 20-30 more minutes, stirring and scraping occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the jelly to cool and thicken in the refrigerator while you prepare the crust/topping.
To Make the Crust
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x8" metal baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Whisk together the almond butter, 3 tbsp maple syrup, vanilla, coconut oil until smooth. Stir in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda until a thick crumbly dough forms
-
Press 3/4 of the dough into the prepared baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes, then remove from oven.
To finish the bars:
-
Spread 1 cup of the jelly* over the partially baked crust starting in the middle and working your way out. crumble the remaining chilled dough over the top evenly.
-
Drizzle 2-3 more Tbsp of almond butter over the top as desired, then bake in the preheated oven for 25 more minutes until center is bubbling and top is turning light brown.
-
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares - you can hill in the fridge to speed up the cooling time - the longer the bars are left to cool the easier they will be to cut into neat squares.
-
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*This makes about 1.5 cups of jelly but you'll use 1 cup only for the recipe
**Naturally More almond butter is lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and lightly salted
Nutrition
Want more Paleo bar recipes? Try one of these!
Triple Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies
Blueberry Muffin Breakfast Bars
Tell Me!
Did you have a PB&J streak like I did?
What’s your current nut butter crush?
My go to snack is just a banana, topped with almond butter and jelly…In a bowl. I’m addicted to almond butter and have to stop myself from eating it out of the jar with a spoon. I’ve never had naturally more’s AB but years ago was addicted to their peanut butter and that was amazing so one can only imagine! Making these this weekend as my go to mid mountain bike ride snack. Can’t wait ☺️
Haha minus the bread, I should do that more often!
Here in Montana, we don’t have Trader Joe’s and it’s selection of nut butters so almond butter is my go to! And I love it!
Almond butter is just so tasty 🙂
Definitely making these! And I would LOVE to try the Naturally More almond butter! 🙂
You’ll love it 🙂
I totally relate to your years of PB&J’s! I don’t even want to say how many years my stint lasted but it was awhile. Can’t wait to try these!
Hey, it’s good stuff! You love these though 🙂
I need to make these asap! That jelly looks and sounds SO AMAZING!
Hope you like them!
Oh I have been searching for a way to make a healthy ‘jelly’ can’t wait to try these!
You will definitely love this jelly!
I used to bring a peanut butter on whole grain sandwich for lunch every day in high school, so definitely agree with you THE BEST LUNCH!! I however was not a jelly fan until a couple years ago, but now I love making my own with leftover fruit, no food waste here! Love having some PB or almond butter & jelly on a protein waffle or Trader Joe’s cinnamon raisin gluten free bread. Can’t wait to make these!!
I love almond butter and I am currently doing my second Whole30. The probiotics definitely “take the cake”. These look delicious. I am always on the lookout for yummy desserts that are gluten free. I can’t wait to try them!
After your Whole30 for sure!
Yes! 🙂
These look delicious!
Thanks! They definitely are 🙂
Hi MICHELE! I’m new to your blog & Instagram page but absolutely love what I see so far. This recipient will be perfect for my husbands birthday celebration. He follows a gluten free diet and is allergic to peanuts, so I know he’ll love the Naturally More Almond Butter.
Thanks so much!!
Oh I really hope you like it!
Pb&j was literally my jam for years!!! Your post brought back memories!! Always looking for something sweet to try so will be making these this weekend for sure!!!
Ooh I hope you like them!
I’m pretty new to your site but already I love the ease of your recipes! These almond butter and jelly bars sound divine and trying this almond butter would be amazing! I will definitely make these soon but I see ice cream as a good addition ?
Ice cream would be perfect, can’t go wrong 🙂 And so glad you’re enjoying the blog/recipes!
Cookie bars have to be some of my most favorite desserts; I LOVE the crumble on top; I love the jelly part, and I love that you also put almond butter with it. They are so tasty looking. One for breakfast sounds good.
Any time of day!
Lived on pb&j on whole wheat when I was pregnant with my sons. Would wake up and make one in the middle of the night for months…… looking forward to tryin these with raspberries!!
Oh wow that’s funny! So delicious though I definitely don’t blame you 🙂
This Naturally More Almond Butter sounds amazing. I am going to make this recipe and will definitely buy this product. I would love to get a free jar but win or not, this is a mist try product. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Of course! You’ll love the almond butter for sure 🙂
I’m excited to make these Michelle! Think I could use an unsweetened strawberry jam/preserves instead of making it? Just trying to get it done quicker. Thank you for keeping our sweet tooth and tummy happy.
Sure any preserves or jam would work fine 🙂
I’m on the streak right now! ha! for years I wouldn’t touch jelly so I usually only hade peanut butter on my sandwich but now I add it. these look delish!
Jelly is way too good to skip!
These look amazing, I love blueberry jam, could I swap out the strawberries for blueberries?
Definitely!
You are KILLING me right now…….I wish I could just reach through my screen and eat 5 or 6 of these! Seriously, these look absolutely amazing. I’m excited to try them. Just hope I can find all of the ingredients.
Haha! I hope you try 🙂
These look so good. And that almond butter by Naturally More sounds heavenly I would love to try it
I’m sure you’d love it!
My usual go to nut butter is peanut butter, but lately I have been using almond butter a lot. This may sound weird, but my favorite sandwich as a kid (and still is) is a peanut butter and chocolate sandwich.
PB& chocolate is pretty awesome, not weird, VERY smart!
You’re making me wish I didn’t just start a whole30! These are a must try for after. My twin toddlers would be all over these!
Plenty of good Whole30 recipes too, lol 🙂 There will be plenty of time after!
These look delicious! I made your blueberry bars the other day for my kids as an afterschool snack. They loved them! Thank you for these great recipes.
I’m so thrilled they liked them! Yay!
Ok! Super excited to make these with my toddler. Just yesterday, i was explaining to her what “jam” is. Good timing on this recipe. Yay!
Haha I hope you guys like them 🙂
I randomly stumbled on to your site today, and I’m glad I did! My family LOVES pb&j!!
Awesome! and welcome 🙂
Ooooh, these look so good! Do you think the jelly would turn out okay with less maple syrup – or maybe a jam without added sugars (just what’s in the strawberries) would also work? (I know the texture would change, I’m sure, but I’m adaptable, haha.) I try to be careful with sugar because my blood sugar can be finicky; these would be an awesome “sometimes treat” but if there was less sugar, I could probably sneak ’em in more often, haha. (Don’t get me wrong, I loooooove maple syrup, haha. Just can’t have it too regularly!)
Either way, I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. And if it must remain only a sometimes treat, then so be it. I have a feeling I’m gonna love it either way.
I definitely think you could try it out! You could reduce the sweetener by half and see what happens, let me know!
Oh my goodness I have to try this! I have never heard of this brand and I cant wait to try this! I am like a serious almond butter addict! I have a very limited diet and almond butter is one of few things I enjoy! I eat it any time I can especially with bananas! I would love to win this so I can give it a try!
Oh man, these look awesome! I still sneak in a pb&j every once in a while when I’m home alone. 😉
This looks amazing! Thank you so much for the recipe! I’ve never heard of this brand of almond butter before, but it sounds really good and I’ll have to give it a try. It would be awesome to win one of the free jars you are giving away – thank you for that option!
Can’t wait to try this recipe as I really miss eating my PB&J sandwiches!! It was a staple in my house growing up! I absolutely love Almond Butter and can’t wait to try this brand.
Thank you for posting this recipe! My son’s baptism is next Saturday and these would be a perfect addition to the dessert table! We have some gluten free and egg free guests who will certainly appreciate this 🙂
Do these freeze well?
I haven’t tested it but I don’t see why not.
I love that almond butter but for some reason I haven’t been able to find it locally in the last 6 months or so. 🙁
Oh no! It really is so yummy 🙂
These look amazing. Sometimes I just really want a PB&J sammy – it’s gotta be a craving for the creaminess and the sweetness. Love that the almond butter has added flax! I sneak flax into a lot 🙂
Thank you! PB&J might really be my ultimate sweet comfort food!
These are excellent!
I used Costco’s organic almond butter any my own strawberry jam sweetened with a concentrated organic apple sweetner.
I threw some dried chopped mulberries on top after they were just taken out of the oven, pressing them in slightly. They added a little more crunch and texture.
I am making them again today as organic strawberries are cheap right now. Going to sub the maple syrup with date syrup to make them entire fruit sweetened and am going to freeze half a batch to see how they are after being frozen!
Even my paleo hating parents loved these!!
Ooh that sounds so good! Love it when the paleo “haters” love the recipes!!
These look so yummy! Think I will make them this weekend
Hope you like them!
I’m making the bars right now because they look so delicious and not too unhealthy but my “crumb” mixture is not very crumby or doughy. It’s more liquid. I’m using Kirklands Almond Butter. Should I add more almond flour? Or Flax meal since your almond butter has flax in it and may be thicker then mine?
Did you already add the coconut flour? The coconut flour is so dense and typically gives it more body and crumble. If so, I’d add a tbsp at a time of almond flour, giving it a minute to absorb. You want the mixture like a dough.
Thanks for the quick response! I did add the coconut flour already and still too moist I think. It’s more runny then a dough. I’ll try adding a little more almond flour. Hopefully that helps. Thanks!
I’m super excited to try this recipe. Can I use only almond flour or do I have to include the coconut flour.
One of my favorite snacks had been pb&j on sliced banana forever!
Thanks for the recipe
I’m thinking you’d have to use a total of 1 and 3/4 cups almond flour in order to omit the coconut flour, but I’m not completely sure. Coconut flour is so dense that 1/4 cup goes a long way!
Oh my days I’m actually drooling seeing the pictures of these! Having just given up dairy and being highly intolerant to sugar, this is naughty goodness for me on every level. I am definitely putting these on my new recipe list! Is it possible that you could include actual weights etc as we use in the UK in your recipes please, instead of just cup measures, as not all cup measures are the same the world over? Keep the gooey PB goodness coming ? Thanks
I hope you like these! As for including weight measurements I will definitely consider including these for future recipes as it seems it would be very helpful to many people 🙂
Have you tried adding chopped walnuts or almonds to this recipe?
Omg I have never written a comment about a recipe on the internet before (although I have made many paleo/gf internet recipes) but I am so inspired by the deliciousness of these bars that I had to write! Thank you! Wonderful recipe. I used raspberry and they are da bomb.
I’m so glad you liked them and thanks for letting me know! Nothing makes me happier 🙂
Hi Michele! These look amazing bc and I plan on making them today! Do you know if the pure maple syrup could be swapped out for honey or stevia? Thanks for the recipe!
Hi! I think honey would be fine, not sure about stevia since I haven’t worked with it. Hope you like it!
These look delicious and easy to make!
We love celery and almond butter as a snack.
I can’t wait to try Naturally more almond butter!!! ; )
I am so excited to try these. I just started Paleo and go to my pantry and see peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches! And, no, they are not there. 🙂 I found your recipe on a link through Dr. Axe and I feel like there is hope. I cannot wait to continue on this journey with husband and two children now. Thank you and I look forward to receiving more recipes from you.
Hi and glad you found me! I definitely think you’ll find a few recipes that everyone will like on here. Come to think of it, I should create a “kid friendly” section to navigate in my recipe tab! Let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help 🙂
Update – I made the bars after ordering the Naturally More almond butter! BTW… I got a nice discount for my first order 🙂 My sister and I absolutely loved them, my kids and my husband liked them, as for my six year old grandson, lets just say it was a new experience. The bars were everything and more what I was hoping for. Great job on this recipe. I am enjoying this Paleo way and it is nice to see I can have everything I did before.
That’s awesome! I’m so thrilled you guys like them 🙂
These look delicious! I really want to make them but I only have regular wheat flour on hand. Can I replace that for the almond and coconut? And if yes, would the amount be different.
Looking forward to trying these.
These will soon become a staple for me! I miss PB&J since starting paleo!
Hope you enjoy!
These Nut butter and jelly cookie bars sound delicious!! I am going to give them a try next!! I just got fresh strawberries from my CSA yesterday so I am ready to go!!
Awesome! Hope you enjoy!
I can’t wait to make these! What a perfect snack idea! My kids are gonna love me ( I mean these bars ?)
Really hope you guys like them!
These look delicious! My only question is, how messy are they? Are they easy to pick up and eat with your hands, or would they crumble everywhere if you tried that? I’d like to make them for a meeting, but we wouldn’t have plates or forks or anything but napkins. Do you think they’d be too gooey or crumbly for people to easily handle?
I think my coworkers would love these, I just don’t want to bring a treat that results in everyone getting almond butter and jelly all over their nice clothes. 🙂 Thanks!
I’ve found that if they’re not chilled they can get crumbly, but right out of the fridge they “stick” a whole lot better 🙂 Hope this helps!
Oh my! I’m a soon to be 35 year old who can eat PB+J in a bowl with a spoon. Because that’s what an adult does, right? I HAVE to make these!
Haha, that’s actually my MOM’s favorite food, to this day 🙂
I would love a jar of Naturally More Almond Butter! Can they ship to France?!
I’ll be making these bars ASAP. I showed my bf the recipe immediately and now both of our mouths are watering ….
Not sure about France! This is an old post…you might want to check out their website for info 🙂
These sound amazing and I can’t wait to try them and the almond butter. I cant believe I haven’t heard about this yet!
Enjoy!
Oh my goodness! Can’t wait to try! I used to make double decker Pb and j everyday for lunch in high school! Bahaha! They were so good! I forgot how much i loved those! Thanks!
Yum! I think you’ll love these then!
These look absolutely divine!!!
Making these tonight! Do you know if anyone has had success with freezing them? We have a few too many paleo baked treats in the fridge right now but I seriously can’t wait to try these.
Hi Michelle. I just had to comment on the pictures. They ate beautiful. I haven’t tried the cookies yet but I enjoy photography also and the pictures are eye candy. Great job!
Aw thanks! And hope you love them 🙂
I plan to use raw almonds. Toasting makes them acidic. Why would you want the nuts to be acidic when the body is alkaline/neutral?
can I sub coconut flour for cassava ?
I have made at least 4 times in the past month or two. Everyone loves them.
Can’t wait to make these! My husband and I started a Paleo “lifestyle” January 1st. My husband had lost over 20 lbs and I have lost 16. All thanks to you! So glad I found your blog. 95% of what I’m cooking has come from here. It’s made it very easy! Thank you!!
Looks so good… I’m right there with you on PB and J!
OMG! They look delicious! I need to try this??
My next paleo baking endeavor!! Can’t wait to try them.
Oh my goodness, these sound AMAZING! I do a lot of baking for a family with food allergies. I’m going to try and substitute sunflower seed butter and GF flour to see how it works out. I’ll let you know!
I can’t wait to make these after Passover. Thanks for this delicious recipe which will be sure to satisfy my PB cravings.
I can not wait to try Naturally More Almond Butter! ??
Why not make these even healthier by using a maple syrup substitute made with natural sweetener? Lakanto makes one with monk fruit sweetener that is nearly carb-free. Pure maple syrup is super sugary and full of simple carbs.
This is awesome! I love paleo but I too am a PB and J enthusiast from way back. I can’t wait to try this out!!! Since I don’t think I’ve ever seen that almond butter locally. Would love the chance to try it!!
Amazing… can’t wait to try!
I am going to try this recipe looks so good!
Can’t wait to make these!! Love pb&j but haven’t had one in almost a year since going paleo. They look heavenly!!
Insanely good. I ran out of strawberries so I used half strawberries, half raspberries. I also used peanut butter instead, because it’s my favorite food LOL! One thing I learned from my dad digging right into them out of the oven is that they will be too crumbly unless you really wait for them to cool a while. Now that it’s been an hour or so, they’re holding up. Thank you for the delicious & easy recipe!!! 🙂
So excited to make these!! Goals to be all things paleo!!
These bars are drool worthy! And I’m excited for a chance to win and try the almond butter. ?
Looking forward to making this recipe!
Yum! Can’t wait to make these!
These look delicious and I want to try that almond butter!
Thank you for always offering paleo recipes that allow me to still eat favourite foods while healing my body. I thought when I first got diagnosed with autoimmune symptoms, I would forever feel deprived on the diet I needed to be on. You have certainly helped me realize I can still love what I eat and feel good about it nourishing my body rather than distressing my health. These may just be my new favourite treats! Thank you!
Yum! Can’t wait to try these.
Would it be possible to make less of the jam in the beginning by using 2 cups strawberries and about 1/3 cup of maple syrup?