Peanut Butter Fudge Treats

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz

Have you ever found yourself craving something sweet but wanting to avoid the usual guilt that comes with it? Well, I’ve got just the recipe for you: Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Bars. These little squares of joy are not only delicious but also a healthier option for those of us looking to satisfy our sweet tooth without the extra calories and processed ingredients.

What’s even better? They’re gluten-free, and you can easily make them vegan. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because (my favorite reason), these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients are probably already in your pantry. If not, they’re easy to find in most grocery stores!

For the Crust:

• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 2.5 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

For the Peanut Butter Fudge:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1.5 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• Melted chocolate chips for drizzling

Let’s Get Baking!

Step 1: Making the Crust

The crust is the foundation of our delicious bars, giving them a nice base that complements the creamy peanut butter fudge perfectly.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (about 350°F) to ensure it’s ready when you are.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut flour, oat flour, melted coconut oil, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into a lined baking tray, ensuring the crust is compact. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Tip: Keep an eye on it — it can go from golden to burnt quickly!
4. Cool Completely: Let the crust cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent the fudge layer from melting when you pour it over.

Step 2: Preparing the Peanut Butter Fudge

This layer is what makes these bars so irresistible! The creamy peanut butter, combined with a hint of sweetness and vanilla, is pure bliss.

1. Combine the Fudge Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan, combine the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, salt, vanilla essence, and honey (or maple syrup). If the mixture isn’t smooth, heat it gently until it’s well blended.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips, allowing them to slightly melt into the mixture for that perfect gooey texture.
3. Pour Over the Crust: Once the crust is completely cooled, pour the peanut butter fudge mixture over it. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Now for the fun part — adding a little flair to your bars!

1. Freeze to Set: Place the baking tray in the freezer for a few hours until the fudge layer is firm.
2. Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some additional chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the bars for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness. Optional but highly recommended!
3. Cut and Serve: Once set, remove from the freezer, cut into bars, and enjoy. If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will), store them in the fridge or freezer.

Tips and Tricks

• Substituting Ingredients: If you don’t have oat flour, you can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine. Similarly, almond flour can be used if you’re looking for a different flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. It tastes just as good and keeps the recipe allergy-friendly!
• Sweetness Levels: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can add a little more honey or maple syrup to the fudge layer if you have a sweeter tooth.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Add Some Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts or seeds for an extra crunch in your fudge layer.
• Double the Fun: If you’re making these for a crowd (or just really love peanut butter), simply double the recipe. They’re that good!
• Top It Off: Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an indulgent dessert.

A Final Note

So, there you have it: a super easy, healthier take on a decadent dessert that’s sure to win hearts. These Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Bars are perfect for any occasion, and they’re so simple to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up regularly.

Why not give them a try this weekend? You might just discover your new favorite treat. And remember, cooking is all about experimenting — feel free to tweak the recipe to make it your own!

Happy baking, and let’s make every bite count. 😋