These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the indulgence of both chocolate and peanut butter. With a rich, fudgy texture and a hint of sweetness, these bars make for a delicious snack or dessert that is easy to whip up in no time. Whether you're craving something sweet or need a quick dessert for a gathering, these bars will hit the spot.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup (or honey). Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add the cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
If you like chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this point.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the surface.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
There are plenty of ways to mix things up with these Peanut Butter Brownie Bars! Here are a few variations to try:
Add nuts: If you're a fan of crunch, try adding some chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter.
Make it dairy-free: Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips or leave them out entirely.
Use almond butter: If you prefer almond butter over peanut butter, you can easily swap it in for a slightly different flavor.
Add a swirl: For a marbled effect, swirl some extra peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Storage/Reheating
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you prefer to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. For easy reheating, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm!
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can easily substitute almond butter for peanut butter. This will give the bars a slightly different flavor, but they will still turn out delicious.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, these Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are naturally gluten-free since they use coconut flour instead of regular flour.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey and vegan chocolate chips, you can make these bars completely vegan.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. They should be firm to the touch but not dry.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and creamy peanut butter, making them an irresistible treat. With just a few simple ingredients and quick prep time, I find them to be an ideal dessert or snack to satisfy any craving. Whether you stick to the original recipe or add a few variations, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Recipe:
Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are a delicious treat combining chocolate and peanut butter with a rich, fudgy texture. They’re gluten-free and naturally sweetened, making them a healthier option for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
½ cup maple syrup or honey
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup coconut flour
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup (or honey). Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- If you like chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this point.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Notes
These bars are naturally gluten-free because they use coconut flour instead of regular flour.
If you want a dairy-free option, use dairy-free chocolate chips or omit them.
For a marbled effect, swirl in some extra peanut butter before baking.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
