🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on two sides. This overhang will be your lifesaver for easy removal later—trust me on this!

Step 2: Create Your Chocolate Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Don’t rush this step—lumpy base equals lumpy squares!

Step 3: Add the Hearty Foundation Pour the rolled oats into your chocolate mixture and stir until every oat is coated and incorporated. The mixture should look rich and thick, like brownie batter.

Step 4: Fold in the Star Ingredient Here’s where the magic happens! Gently fold in the fresh raspberries using a rubber spatula. Be patient and gentle—you want some berries to break down and create beautiful streaks while others stay whole for texture surprises.

Step 5: Bind It All Together Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the mixture and fold until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should come together beautifully and feel slightly sticky.

Step 6: Press to Perfection Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your clean hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into every corner. Really pack it down—this ensures clean cuts later!

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches If you’re using additional toppings, now’s the time! Sprinkle extra raspberries and sliced almonds over the surface, pressing them lightly so they stick but don’t sink completely.

Step 8: The Patience Game Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. For the cleanest cuts and firmest texture, let them set overnight. I know waiting is hard, but it’s worth it!

Step 9: The Grand Reveal Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Clean your knife between cuts for the prettiest presentation.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy Serve immediately for the perfect fudgy texture, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week—if they last that long!