Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These healthy chocolate peanut butter bars are the best gluten free dessert! Use almond butter for a paleo version.

While I love chocolate, I'm generally satisfied with a simple square or two of high quality dark chocolate. However, those are those certain special occasions when you want something a little bit special. Whether it's a family birthday party or we're having friends over for dinner, I love whipping up healthier gluten free treats in the kitchen.

Now don't be deceived by the word “healthier”. These gluten free chocolate peanut butter bars taste unabashedly decadent and won't leave anyone wishing for the traditional version. I simply stick to real, whole food ingredients for a dessert I can actually feel good about serving my family. For example, these bars are sweetened with honey instead of processed sugar. The crust is made with almond flour and coconut flour rather than white flour. These little changes result in a delicious dessert with wholesome ingredients.

To make these little beauties, you'll start by making the gluten free crust. You'll simply combine almond flour, coconut flour, salt, coconut oil, an egg and honey and press the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9 baking dish. Bake for 12-14 minutes in a preheated 350F oven and then cool.

The filling couldn't be easier! You'll start by spreading peanut butter over the crust. You can of course sub almond butter or cashew butter if you need a paleo version, or simply if you want to mix it up! Next, you'll make your chocolate. To do this, combine coconut oil (or butter), cocoa powder and honey in a small pot over low heat and whisk until smooth. Next you'll stir in vanilla extract before pouring the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter bars. Sprinkle with a bit of course salt if you like (I highly recommend this!)

Finally, you'll store these healthy chocolate peanut butter bars in the fridge.

 

What makes these healthy chocolate peanut butter bars?

One key that makes these healthy chocolate peanut butter bars is that they only contain real-food ingredients. I'm all about treats but I'm also a firm believer that they can be just as delicious (maybe even more delicious?) when made without processed ingredients. These healthy chocolate peanut butter bars are the perfect example!

While these are clearly a treat and I wouldn't recommend eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they do also contain some real nutritional value. Here are some of the nutritional highlights:

Almond Flour (Magnesium, Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Antioxidants)

As the name suggests, almond flour is made from almonds. Almonds' high antioxidant content can help fight inflammation. Much of the antioxidants are in the skin of the almond so unbalanced almonds / almond flour are even healthier. Almonds are one of the best sources of vitamin E which may help prevent diseases like heart disease, Alztheimers and cancer. Furthermore, the magnesium in almonds may help lower blood pressure in those with high blood pressure.

Coconut Flour (Iron, Protein, MCTs)

Coconut flour may benefit heart health, blood sugar stability, and digestion. Furthermore, a 1/4 cup serving offers 6 grams of protein and 20% of daily iron needs. Coconut flour is also high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a kind of fat that may support your immune system, brain health and even weight loss.

Coconut Oil (MCTs)

Much of the beneficial nutritional impact from coconut oil stems from the medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) it contains. Processed differently than other fats, your liver turns MCTs into ketones, which are beneficial for brain health. The lauric acid found in coconut also has beneficial antimicrobial properties.

Eggs (Protein, Lutein)

An egg contains 7 grams of protein and is full of lutein (good for your eyes) and choline (good for your brain).

Honey (Antioxidants)

Honey has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which are strongest in darker honey. Buy raw local honey when possible as filtering the honey can diminish its nutrients.

Peanut Butter (Copper, Folate, Vitamin E, Magnesium)

High in protein, peanuts are legumes rather than actual nuts. They're a great source of folate and vitamin E. Make sure to get peanut butter that contains only peanuts and perhaps a bit of salt to maximize the nutrition.

Cocoa Powder (Antioxidants)

Rich in the antioxidant known as polyphenols, cocoa powder may help decrease inflammation and improve blood flow to your brain. Possibly due to its flavanols, cocoa also positively impacts mood! Cocoa powder's flavanols may also help reduce blood pressure. Less processed chocolate products have more flavanols. This is one superfood it's easy to get the kiddos to eat!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Recipe Tips & Variations

Here are some tips for success to help you make the most of this chocolate peanut butter bar recipe:

• Don't sub flours: Especially if you're new to these flours, I don't recommend substituting for the almond flour and coconut flour in this recipe. If you do a one-for-one swap for another flour, your results will likely not be good.
• Use natural peanut butter: Natural peanut butter (peanuts + optional salt) is so much healthier than other options. This recipe is designed to use natural peanut butter so feel free to make that healthy choice!
• Choose your favorite nut butter: Feel free to sub almond butter, cashew butter, or whatever nut butter you love for the peanut butter here.
• Chill before slicing: Make sure to fully chill your chocolate peanut butter bars before slicing.

FAQ – Everything You Want to Know about Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Are healthy chocolate peanut butter bars good for meal prep?

Yes! These healthy chocolate peanut butter bars are excellent for meal prep. They're designed to make ahead and actually need time to chill before serving.

Are these gluten free chocolate peanut butter bars?

Yes, these are naturally gluten free chocolate peanut bars.

Can I make these chocolate peanut butter bars paleo?

You can easily turn these into paleo chocolate peanut butter bars. The only ingredient that isn't paleo as the recipe is written is peanut butter. Sub almond butter or cashew butter to make these paleo.

I want more easy gluten free dessert recipes!