Copycat Nature Valley’s Biscuits With Almond Butter Recipe

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Discovering a delicious treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fuels your body can be rare, and let’s face it, a delightful paradox. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to a mouth-watering yet health-conscious indulgence: Nature Valley’s Biscuits with Almond Butter. This recipe is a testament to the brand’s commitment to natural goodness—a perfect example of how wholesome ingredients can marry into something exquisitely tasty without the guilt. 

How to make Nature Valley’s Biscuits With Almond Butter 

Nature Valley’s Biscuits with Almond Butter is a snack product made by Nature Valley, a brand known for its granola bars and snacks. These biscuits consist of almond butter sandwiched between two crunchy oat biscuits, creating a combination of nutty flavor and crunchiness. 

Ingredients: 

To recreate the magic of Nature Valley’s Biscuits with Almond Butter at home, you’ll need the following ingredients: 

For the Biscuits: 

• 2 cups whole wheat flour: This provides the biscuits with fiber and a nutty flavor, making them a wholesome option. 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This acts as a leavening agent and gives the biscuits their characteristic lift. 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a touch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the biscuits. 
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled: The cold butter ensures the biscuits have a flaky texture when baked. 
• 3 tablespoons honey: Honey acts as a natural sweetener and lends the biscuits a subtle sweetness with hints of floral notes. 
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: The acidity in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the biscuits rise and adds a slight tang. 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and warmth to the biscuits’ flavor profile. 

For the Almond Butter Filling: 

• 1 cup natural almond butter: Choose a good-quality almond butter for the richest taste and creamy texture. 
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional): If you prefer a sweeter almond butter filling, you can mix in some powdered sugar. 
• A pinch of salt (if using unsalted almond butter): Salt enhances the almond flavor, especially if you use unsalted almond butter. 

Instructions: 

Preparing the Biscuits: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl—mix the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt together. 
3. Incorporate the butter. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry mixture until you have a coarse, crumbly texture. 
4. Make the wet mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. 
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. 
6. Roll out the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently roll it to about 1/4 inch thick. 
7. Cut the biscuits. Use a round cutter to cut out the biscuit shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. 
8. Bake the biscuits. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. 

Preparing the Almond Butter Filling: 

1. Mix the almond butter. In a small bowl, stir the almond butter until it’s smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, you can slightly warm it up to make it easier to spread. Incorporate the powdered sugar if you’re using it. 
2. Add a pinch of salt if needed, to bring out the flavors of the almond butter. 

Assembling the Biscuits: 

1. Let the biscuits cool. After baking, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 
2. Add the almond butter. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of almond butter onto the flat side of one biscuit, then top it with another biscuit to make a sandwich. 

Tips for Making Perfect Nature Valley-Inspired Biscuits: 

• Chill the dough. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. 
• Don’t overwork the dough. Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten too much and result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined for tender biscuits. 
• Check your oven temperature. If your oven runs hot or cool, adjust the temperature accordingly for even baking. 
• Storage. Store the biscuit sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also store them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer almond butter center. 

What to serve with  

Nature Valley Biscuits with Almond butter is a versatile and hearty snack on its own, but when paired with a few carefully selected accompaniments, they can become part of a broader, more satisfying treat or even a full meal. Here are some delicious options on what to serve them with: 

For Breakfast: 

• Fresh Fruit: Serve the biscuits with a side of fresh fruit like banana slices, apple wedges, or a berries mix to add vitamins and a refreshing element to your meal. 
• Yogurt: Pairing the biscuits with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative can add protein and probiotics to your breakfast. 
• Smoothies: A nutritious smoothie made with ingredients like spinach, kale, bananas, or berries can complement the biscuits for a well-rounded breakfast. 
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your biscuit with almond butter alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting and energizing start to your day. 

For a Snack: 

• Cheese Slices: Adding cheese such as sharp cheddar or gouda can provide a savory contrast to the sweet and nutty flavors of the biscuits. 
• Nut Mix: A side of mixed nuts can enhance the nuttiness of the almond butter while adding extra crunch and variety. 
• Dark Chocolate: A few pieces of dark chocolate can serve as a decadent addition for those with a serious sweet tooth. 
• Dried Fruit: Dried apricots, figs, or cranberries offer a chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor that can complement the biscuit sandwiches well. 

For Lunch: 

• Salad: Serve the biscuits as a side to a vibrant salad packed with greens and colorful vegetables to add substantiality to a light meal. 
• Soup: Enjoy them with a warm bowl of tomato, butternut squash or carrot soup, which can balance the savory soup and the sweet and nutty flavors of the biscuit. 
• Cold Brew Coffee: If you prefer something chilled, opt for a cold brew coffee that provides a refreshing and robust pairing. 

For A Tea-Time Treat: 

• Jam or Jelly: Serve a small pot of jam or jelly for those who might enjoy adding a sweet, fruity spread on top of the almond butter. 
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: An iced tea or fresh lemonade can offer a refreshing and zesty complement to the biscuits, perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon. 

For Dessert: 

• Whipped Cream or Mascarpone: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone cheese can add a rich, creamy texture, turning the biscuit into a decadent dessert. 
• Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made with apples, pears, or berries can turn the simple biscuit sandwich into a cozy and indulgent dessert, mainly when served slightly warm. 

For On-The-Go: 

• Bottled Smoothies or Shakes: For those needing a quick and convenient pairing, a bottled smoothie or protein shake can complement the sustaining nature of the biscuits. 
• Packaged Fruit Cups: Easy and transportable, fruit cups can give a dose of freshness and juiciness to your snack without any hassle. 

Ingredients Substitutes 

Creating a homemade version of Nature Valley’s Biscuits with Almond Butter offers the flexibility to adapt the recipe based on dietary preferences, allergies, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Below are detailed substitutes for the key ingredients: 

Whole Wheat Flour: 

• All-Purpose Flour: If you don’t have whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour is a straightforward substitute, though it will result in biscuits with a lighter texture and less fiber. 
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Those avoiding gluten can opt for a gluten-free flour blend as a one-to-one substitute. Look for a blend that is designed to mimic the properties of wheat flour. 
• Oat Flour: Grind rolled oats in a food processor to make oat flour for a nutritious, gluten-free option. Oat flour will give a slightly sweeter taste and tender texture. 

Baking Soda: 

• Baking Powder: If you’re out of baking soda, you can use baking powder as an alternative. Since baking powder is less potent, you’ll need to use about three times the amount of baking powder to replace the baking bit. 

Salt: 

• Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt: Any salt can be used instead of table salt, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ. If using larger grain salt, consider grinding it down or using a bit less. 

Unsalted Butter: 

• Margarine or Vegan Butter: These can be used as a one-to-one substitute for butter if you’re avoiding dairy or prefer a plant-based option. 
• Coconut Oil: Solid coconut oil can also replace butter in a 1:1 ratio, adding a slight coconut flavor and making the recipe dairy-free. 

Honey: 

• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup can substitute for honey in equal amounts, offering a different but equally delightful sweetness. 
• Agave Syrup: Agave is sweeter than honey, so you should use it a bit less if you’re swapping it. It’s a great vegan alternative. 

Buttermilk: 

• Milk and Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before using. 
• Plant-Based Milk and Vinegar: For a dairy-free alternative, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of any plant-based milk. 

Vanilla Extract: 

• Almond Extract: If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can add a complementary flavor to the biscuits, but use it sparingly as it’s stronger. 
• Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup can also add depth of flavor in the absence of vanilla extract. 

Almond Butter: 

• Peanut Butter: Peanut butter can be used as an easy substitute for almond butter, but note that it has a more robust, distinct flavor. 
• Sunflower Seed Butter: For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative that still brings creaminess and richness. 

Powdered Sugar (for Filling): 

• Coconut Sugar: If you prefer a less refined sugar, coconut sugar can be processed into powder and used, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. 
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a naturally sweetened almond butter filling, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can be mixed with the almond butter for sweetness instead of powdered sugar. 

Final Thoughts 

There you have it—your very own Nature Valley Biscuits with Almond Butter, ready to be enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast on the go or as a delightful snack to satiate those mid-day hunger pangs. 

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