The Ultimate Almond Butter Oat Slab (Your New Meal Prep Obsession)

In the symphony of a busy week, whether you're juggling early mornings, school drop-offs, work deadlines, or fitness goals, having a reliable, delicious, and genuinely wholesome meal prep solution is an absolute game-changer. Forget rushed breakfasts or reaching for less-than-ideal snacks. Imagine a single batch of something truly satisfying that can serve as your go-to breakfast, a mid-morning energy boost, or even a guilt-free wholesome treat.

Enter the Almond Butter Oat Slab – a creation so simple, so versatile, and so utterly delicious, it’s about to become your new meal prep obsession. At 99th Monkey, we're dedicated to making healthy eating easy and enjoyable, and this recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy. It features our beloved Smooth Almond Butter as a key ingredient, infusing every bite with its rich, nutty flavour and creamy goodness.

This isn't just another oat bake; it's a carefully crafted slab of wholesome deliciousness that comes together with minimal effort, bakes to golden perfection, and sets you up for a week of nourished convenience.

Why This Almond Butter Oat Slab is a Game-Changer:

Before we dive into the simple magic of creating this slab, let's explore why it's poised to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Meal Prep: One batch, multiple servings. Bake it once, and you have grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks ready for days. This frees up precious time during your busy week.
• Wholesome & Balanced: Packed with fibre, protein, and healthy fats, it provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling full, eliminating those nagging hunger pangs.
• Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a dollop of yoghurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. It adapts to your cravings!
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of oats, almond butter, vanilla protein, and chocolate chips creates a comforting, indulgent flavour that tastes far more decadent than it actually is.
• Kid-Friendly: Its naturally sweet and comforting profile makes it a hit with the whole family, even the little ones, as a healthy snack option.

The Ingredients: A Harmony of Flavour and Nutrition

Each component of this Almond Butter Oat Slab has been chosen not just for its taste, but for the powerful nutritional benefits it brings to the table:

• 2.5 cups Rolled Oats: The backbone of our slab. Oats are a powerhouse of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy release that prevents blood sugar spikes and crashes. They are also incredibly rich in soluble fibre (specifically beta-glucan), which is renowned for its heart-healthy benefits, its ability to lower cholesterol, and its remarkable power to keep you feeling fuller for longer. This slow-release energy makes them ideal for kickstarting your day or providing a steady fuel source.

• 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder: Elevates the protein content of the slab significantly. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, but also plays a vital role in satiety, helping to curb cravings and keep you satisfied for hours. The vanilla flavour complements the other ingredients beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness and warmth.

• Pinch of Sea Salt: Don't underestimate the power of salt! It enhances all the other flavours, particularly the sweetness of the maple syrup and chocolate, and the nutty notes of the almond butter, creating a more well-rounded taste experience.

• 1 Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding the slab together and providing structure. It also adds a small boost of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like Vitamin D and choline.

• 1/3 cup 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter: Our star ingredient! This provides a rich, creamy, nutty flavour that permeates every bite. Almond butter is packed with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are excellent for heart health and crucial for prolonged satiety, meaning this slab will genuinely keep you full. It also contributes plant-based protein, fibre, Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), and magnesium.

• 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness without being overly processed. Maple syrup also contains antioxidants and trace minerals. Its liquid form helps to bind the ingredients and contributes to the slab's moist texture.

• 1.25 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk: The liquid component that moistens the oats and ensures a tender, chewy texture. Using unsweetened almond milk keeps the sugar content in check while providing calcium and Vitamin D (often fortified).

• 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips: Because what’s a wholesome treat without a little chocolate indulgence? These add pockets of melty, decadent flavour and a burst of satisfying sweetness. Dark chocolate chips would also add beneficial antioxidants.

The Method: Simple Steps to Slab Perfection

You'll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, making it genuinely achievable even on your busiest days.

Preheat & Prep:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a square (approximately 8x8 inch or 20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled slab out for slicing.

Combine Wet & Dry:

2. Combine the oats, vanilla protein powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Give it a good whisk or stir to ensure the protein powder is evenly distributed. This prevents clumping in the final product.
3. In a small bowl, combine the egg, 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter, maple syrup, and unsweetened almond milk. Whisk well until thoroughly combined and smooth. The almond butter should be fully incorporated into the liquid.

Mix, Fold & Bake:

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Mix well with a spatula or large spoon until all the oats are thoroughly coated and no dry patches remain. Don't over mix, just ensure everything is just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips. Gently fold them through the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spatula to spread the mixture evenly and press it down gently into the dish, creating a compact slab.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. The edges should look slightly crisp, and the centre should feel set. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period is crucial! It allows the slab to set further, preventing it from crumbling when you slice it. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the dish onto a cutting board.
9. Slice into desired portions. For meal prep, uniform squares or rectangles work well.

Enjoyment & Versatility:

The beauty of this Almond Butter Oat Slab is that it's delicious on its own – a hearty, satisfying piece of goodness. But you can easily elevate it further:

• With Yoghurt: A dollop of Greek, coconut, or soy yoghurt adds a creamy tang and an extra boost of protein and probiotics.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced banana, berries, kiwi, or apple add freshness, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of extra maple syrup can enhance the sweetness for those with a sweet tooth.
• Warm it Up: A quick zap in the microwave can make it warm and gooey, especially melting the chocolate chips!

Meal Prep Magic: Your Week, Simplified

This Almond Butter Oat Slab is designed with your busy life in mind. Once baked and cooled, slice it into individual portions and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. You can grab a piece every morning, knowing you’re getting a balanced, delicious, and filling start to your day. It’s also freezer-friendly – simply wrap individual portions tightly in cling film or foil and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave from frozen for a quick treat.

Why this is a 99th Monkey Must-Make:

Our Smooth Almond Butter is not just an ingredient here; it's a foundational flavour and texture provider. Its creamy richness and healthy fats contribute significantly to the slab's deliciousness and its ability to keep you truly satisfied. This recipe perfectly showcases how our wholesome nut butters can be integrated into everyday cooking to elevate both flavour and nutrition.

So, clear your schedule for 30 minutes, get baking, and transform your weekly meal prep into a delicious, satisfying, and incredibly easy ritual. This Almond Butter Oat Slab is more than just a recipe; it's your new secret weapon for a week of wholesome, convenient, and utterly delightful breakfasts and snacks.