Easy Keto Dessert Bars with Almond Crust and Creamy Chocolate Layer
Keto dessert bars can be rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare — no sugar, no grains, but still full of flavor.
These bars are made with a nut-based crust, a creamy chocolate layer, and a hint of vanilla, all sweetened with keto-friendly ingredients.
They’re perfect when you’re craving something sweet but want to stay within your macros.
To build these, you’ll start with an almond flour crust lightly sweetened with erythritol or monk fruit.
Then you’ll melt together a blend of cream cheese, sugar-free chocolate chips, and heavy cream to create a thick filling that sets beautifully in the fridge.
I suggest adding chopped pecans or coconut flakes on top for extra crunch and variety. These keep well in the fridge and are ideal for make-ahead treats.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Course | Servings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 12 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 27 minutes | Dessert / Snack | 12 bars |
Ingredients
Ingredient | For 6 Bars | For 12 Bars | Alternatives |
---|---|---|---|
Almond flour | ¾ cup | 1½ cups | Coconut flour (reduce amount) |
Butter (melted) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Coconut oil |
Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | Stevia blend |
Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz | 8 oz | Mascarpone |
Sugar-free chocolate chips | ⅓ cup | ⅔ cup | Unsweetened baking chocolate |
Heavy cream | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Full-fat coconut milk |
Vanilla extract | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | Almond extract |
Chopped nuts or coconut flakes (optional) | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Cacao nibs |
Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives in Brackets)
- 8×8 baking pan (or 9×9 glass dish)
- Mixing bowls (or medium containers)
- Spatula (or wooden spoon)
- Hand mixer (or fork for soft mixing)
- Measuring spoons/cups (or digital scale)
- Parchment paper (or greased foil)
- Fridge or freezer
How to Make Keto Dessert Bars

These bars come together in two main layers: the almond crust and the creamy chocolate layer.
Each step is simple but important to achieve the right texture.
Step 1: Make the Almond Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, and erythritol until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press it firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan to form an even base.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, then pour in the chocolate mixture and vanilla. Beat again until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Spread the chocolate mixture over the cooled crust using a spatula. Smooth the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs if desired.
Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or in the freezer for quicker setup). Once firm, cut into bars using a warm, clean knife.
Decoration & Serving Tips
- Sprinkle with flaky salt or chopped pistachios before serving
- Cut into bite-sized squares for easy portion control
- Serve chilled with berries on the side
- Add a swirl of whipped cream or keto-friendly drizzle
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 2 tbsp natural peanut butter into the chocolate mix
- Mocha Flavor: Stir in ½ tsp instant espresso powder
- Coconut Almond: Use coconut flour and top with toasted shredded coconut
- Berry Layer: Add a thin layer of mashed raspberries under the chocolate
Storing Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Let frozen bars thaw in the fridge before eating
- Always serve chilled to maintain structure
Extra Tips
- Press crust down firmly to prevent crumbling
- Taste the filling before spreading to adjust sweetness
- Chill thoroughly to make cutting cleaner and easier
- Use parchment paper to lift bars out easily
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake | Fix | Prevention |
---|---|---|
Crust falls apart | Add a little more butter | Press firmly before baking |
Too bitter | Add extra sweetener | Use high-quality sugar-free chocolate |
Bars too soft | Chill longer | Ensure heavy cream isn’t warm |
Layer separation | Gently smooth filling over crust | Cool crust fully before adding topping |
keto dessert bars
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Butter
- Erythritol
- Cream cheese
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped nuts or coconut
Instructions
<ol><ul><li>Mix crust and bake until lightly golden<br/></li><li>Melt chocolate with cream and beat with cream cheese<br/></li><li>Spread filling over crust and smooth<br/></li><li>Top with optional nuts<br/></li><li>Chill and slice</li></ul></ol>
Notes
Use parchment paper for easy lifting
Chill thoroughly before slicing
Adjust sweetness to taste
Great for batch prep and freezing
Let’s Slice into These Keto Dessert Bars!
These keto dessert bars are chocolatey, creamy, and low in carbs — perfect for sweet tooth cravings while staying on track.
Give them a try, and share your favorite keto-friendly additions in the comments!