Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies

These Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips. With a fudgy center and a golden crust, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe is quick to prepare, requiring less than 10 minutes of prep time, and is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those avoiding dairy and eggs.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 160 g (1¼ cups) plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for garnish
  • 200 g (1 cup) unrefined cane sugar or brown sugar
  • 160 g (⅔ cup) smooth, runny peanut butter
  • 50 g (¼ cup) solid coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) aquafaba (chickpea brine)
  • 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) non-dairy milk
  • 175 g (1 cup) vegan chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). Line a 10.5″x8″ rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, peanut butter, coconut oil, and vanilla extract for 2 minutes until combined.
  4. Add the aquafaba to the mixture and whisk for another minute. Then add the non-dairy milk and whisk until just combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  6. Reserve 25 g of the chocolate chips for topping and fold the remaining 150 g into the batter.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top using a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden. For a cakier texture, bake for an additional 2-4 minutes.
  9. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 30 minutes to an hour until they reach room temperature. Then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before slicing.
  10. Once chilled, remove from the pan and slice into 12 portions. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
  11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 299 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Total Fat: 16 g
    • Saturated Fat: 8 g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
    • Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Sodium: 364 mg
  • Potassium: 108 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Vitamin A: 33 IU
  • Vitamin C: 1 mg
  • Calcium: 49 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

Why Choose Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies?

When it comes to baking, many people are choosing plant-based options for a variety of reasons. Vegan desserts are not only kinder to animals, but they can also be a healthier choice for those who are looking to cut out animal-based fats, cholesterol, and hormones. Vegan baking also tends to use more whole-food ingredients, which can provide additional nutrients and benefits.

In the case of vegan peanut butter blondies, the peanut butter used in the recipe is a natural, unprocessed fat source that provides healthy monounsaturated fats and a bit of protein. Coconut oil is often used as a substitute for butter, providing a dairy-free, plant-based fat that still creates that rich, moist texture that blondies are known for. Additionally, these blondies can be made without eggs or dairy, making them ideal for people with allergies, lactose intolerance, or ethical preferences regarding animal products.

For people who follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to explore plant-based alternatives, vegan peanut butter blondies offer a way to enjoy a beloved classic without compromise.

The Versatility of Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies

Vegan peanut butter blondies are versatile enough to suit a variety of preferences and occasions. If you’re looking to mix things up, there are several ways to customize this basic recipe. For example, you can add different types of chocolate chips or swap out the peanut butter for another nut or seed butter, such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter. You could also add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or cherries for a pop of color and sweetness.

In addition to adding variety to the flavor, you can also adjust the texture of the blondies. If you prefer a cakier texture, you can increase the baking time slightly, ensuring the edges are crisp and the center is light and airy. Alternatively, for a denser, fudgier texture, you can slightly reduce the baking time, allowing the center to remain moist and gooey.

Vegan peanut butter blondies are also a great option for those who love to bake ahead of time. These blondies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without needing to bake every time a craving hits. They also freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prepping or stocking your freezer for future treats.

The Health Benefits of Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies

Vegan peanut butter blondies are not only a delicious treat but also offer some health benefits. When compared to traditional blondies made with butter and eggs, these vegan alternatives can provide more fiber, less cholesterol, and better fats.

Peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to support heart health and reduce inflammation. These healthy fats are also satisfying and help to keep you feeling full for longer, making them a great addition to any snack.

Coconut oil, another key ingredient in the recipe, provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily converted into energy by the body. Some studies suggest that MCTs may aid in weight management and improve brain function.

While the recipe does include sugar, it uses unrefined cane sugar or brown sugar, which contain trace minerals that are lost during the refining process of white sugar. These minerals, such as iron and magnesium, are important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and supporting the body’s overall function.

Furthermore, vegan baking typically includes ingredients that are more nutrient-dense than traditional options. For example, aquafaba (the brine from canned chickpeas) is used in this recipe to replace eggs. Aquafaba is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, and it helps bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth batter.

Baking Tips for Perfect Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies

If you want to ensure that your vegan peanut butter blondies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

  1. Measure Ingredients Accurately – Proper measurements are crucial for successful baking. Use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients like flour and sugar for the most accurate results.

  2. Use Natural Peanut Butter – For the best texture and flavor, opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. This will provide a rich, nutty flavor and prevent the blondies from becoming too greasy.

  3. Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, heavy blondies. Mix just until everything is combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.

  4. Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your blondies as they bake to avoid overbaking. The top should be lightly golden, but the center should remain slightly soft and gooey for the best texture.

  5. Let Them Cool – While it’s tempting to dive in right away, letting the blondies cool completely before cutting them will allow them to firm up and make slicing easier.

  6. Customize Your Recipe – Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to make the blondies your own. You can also try different nut butters for a unique twist on the flavor.

Conclusion

Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you’re vegan or not, these blondies are sure to be a hit with everyone. They’re a versatile treat that can be customized to fit your personal taste, and they provide a plant-based alternative to traditional desserts. With their healthy fats, protein, and rich flavors, they offer a more nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

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