Healthier Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Last updated July 19, 2024

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars check a lot of boxes.

  • Delicious. These bars somehow bridge the gap between “coconut lovers” and “chocolate peanut butter lovers”, even for those who don’t normally love coconut, and those who don’t normally love peanut butter and chocolate together. I know, weird, but those people do exist and they’re some of my taste testers.

  • Healthier than most desserts. I would (and did) unabashedly eat these for breakfast. They’re full of nuts and coconut, and only use coconut oil, depending on which camp you fall in as far as viewing coconut oil as a good medium-chain fatty acid or simply another saturated fat.

  • No bake. Great for summer, if you don’t have an oven available to you, or simply don’t want to turn it on.

  • Easy. These can be ready in less than 30 minutes, quick and satisfying to whip up, with most of the work done in a food processor.

  • Satisfying. With the protein and fat content, these will keep you satisfied for longer. When you’re satisfied, you’re less likely to keep reaching for other unhealthy foods or overeating.

  • Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and almost refined sugar-free (there’s sugar in chocolate chips, which are in the chocolate topping.)

If those aren’t enough reasons to love these bars, I have one more. You don’t have to grease your baking dish! I know, that’s a little thing, but it’s a small kitchen task I don’t overly enjoy, and the fact that these bars slide ride out of an ungreased pan is a small yippee from me!

Another reason I like these, is because they don’t call for dates. Don’t get me wrong, I love dates, but it’s nice to have a healthy dessert recipe that doesn’t call for dates since so many do. I don’t always have dates on hand, and this way I can still whip up a healthier dessert/snack without waiting for my next grocery run. That makes this recipe’s ingredient list pretty close to being all pantry staples.

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Recipe inspired by Dani’s Healthy Eats


Healthier Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Serves about 16

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Coconut Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups / 120g shredded unsweetened coconut

  • 6 Tbsp / 120g maple syrup

  • 6 Tbsp / 97g peanut butter

  • 6 Tbsp / 59g peanuts

  • 6 Tbsp / 38g cocoa powder

  • 5 Tbsp / 70g coconut oil

For the Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1/2 cup / 130g peanut butter

  • 1/4 cup / 81g maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup / 56g coconut oil

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 1 cup / 175g semi sweet or dark chocolate chips

  • 1 Tbsp / 14g coconut oil

Directions:

Ungreased 8x8 inch / 20x20 centimeter square baking dish

Make the Chocolate Coconut Crust

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor; blend until smooth and mixture comes together in a soft dough-like ball.

  2. Press into pan and freeze while preparing filling.

Make the Peanut Butter Filling

  1. Add all filling ingredients to a medium bowl or food processor and mix until smooth. (It’s not necessary to clean food processor between mixing the crust and filling.)

  2. Remove crust from freezer and evenly spread filling over crust. Place back in freezer while preparing topping.

Make the Chocolate Topping

  1. In a small saucepan, combine chocolate and coconut oil. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat when there are still a few tiny bits of chocolate; continue stirring until all is melted and smooth.

  2. Remove bars from freezer and spread topping evenly over filling. Cover and place in freezer or refrigerator to set, at least 30 minutes. Store covered in refrigerator.

Jenny’s Notes:

  • Different nut butters and nuts can be swapped out for the peanut butter and peanuts. Almond butter and almonds can be used, or cashews and cashew butter, or mix them up as you wish!

Healthier Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Yield 16
Author
Prep time
25 Min
Inactive time
30 Min
Total time
55 Min

Healthier Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Decadent, no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars with a chocolate coconut crust, peanut butter filling, and simple chocolate topping are deceivingly simple to make and satisfying to eat. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and almost refined sugar-free.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Coconut Crust
For the Peanut Butter Filling
For the Chocolate Topping

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Coconut Crust
  1. Ungreased 8x8 inch / 20x20 centimeter square baking dish
  2. Add all ingredients to a food processor; blend until smooth and mixture comes together in a soft dough-like ball.
  3. Press into pan and freeze while preparing filling.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling
  1. Add all filling ingredients to a medium bowl or food processor and mix until smooth. (It’s not necessary to clean food processor between mixing the crust and filling.)
  2. Remove crust from freezer and evenly spread filling over crust. Place back in freezer while preparing topping.
Make the Chocolate Topping
  1. In a small saucepan, combine chocolate and coconut oil. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat when there are still a few tiny bits of chocolate; continue stirring until all is melted and smooth.
  2. Remove bars from freezer and spread topping evenly over filling. Cover and place in freezer or refrigerator to set, at least 30 minutes. Store covered in refrigerator.

Notes

  • Different nut butters and nuts can be swapped out for the peanut butter and peanuts. Almond butter and almonds can be used, or cashews and cashew butter, or mix them up as you wish!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

332.91

Fat

26.92 g

Sat. Fat

17.14 g

Carbs

21.81 g

Fiber

3.64 g

Net carbs

18.19 g

Sugar

13.5 g

Protein

6.06 g

Sodium

77.98 mg

Cholesterol

0.11 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 1 serving if cut into 16 pieces.

healthy coconut chocolate peanut butter bars, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, no bake
dessert
American
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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

image.jpg

Last Updated August 5, 2024

Some people are adverse to the word healthy when it comes to desserts.  This recipe today is to help you see you don't need to be one of those people. 

Oh, but what I would give to have a little slice of this pie right now, healthy or not!  Actually, I wouldn't give much.  But that doesn't mean I don't want it.  Yes, Whole30January is still happening.  It has gotten easier in recent days...but you can ask my mom, who is doing it with me, if that's a true statement.  So here is yet another recipe you can make and eat in my stead.  Please, for my sanity.  Just don't tell me how delicious it is.  I like to ask the people around me who are eating delicious nonWhole30food to tell me how disgusting it is.  It almost makes me feel better.  Won't you be glad when Whole30January is over so you won't have to hear any more of my sardonic complaining? 

What do I mean when I say healthy? I mean, aside from the chocolate chips (which have some health benefits in and of themselves aside from the sugar), that you could eat this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and nut free. Just keep in mind you may need to use certified ingredients, i.e. certified GF oats (even though oats are a gluten-free food, they are almost always processed in facilities that also process foods that contain gluten, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination) and check your other ingredients for stowaway unwanted allergens! Chocolate chips, as long as they are semi-sweet or dark chocolate, should not contain any dairy, yet I’ve seen brands that do contain dairy. Reading labels is very important for so many reasons!

Yes ok, on to this nutritious pie that somehow tastes like dessert!

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Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie


Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

12-16 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 15oz cans / 500g cooked white beans (navy, great northern, cannellini) or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup / 90g oats or 180g ground flax seeds

  • 1/4 cup / 63g applesauce

  • 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

  • 3 tsp stevia powder

  • 1 cup / 170g chocolate chips or chunks, plus more for sprinkling

Directions:

image.jpg

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8 - 9in / 20 - 23cm pie dish.

  1. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth.  Stir in chocolate chips. 

  2. Scrape dough into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips. 

  3. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes.  Allow to cool before slicing and serving. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • If you don’t have applesauce, you can use oil instead. That means you would be adding a total of 7 Tbsp / 98g oil, or a scant half cup.

  • I adapted this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie.  She is very good about giving lots of options if you are gluten-free, vegan, have a nut allergy, etc.  I simply narrowed it down to my favorite combination of ingredients from her options, and preferred amount of sweetener so that it tastes like dessert without giving in to your sugar dragon too much. 

  • Feel free to add more sugar if you feel the need! 

  • If for whatever reason your batter comes out too thick or thin, (didn't drain the beans as much, the applesauce brand you use is soupier, etc.) you can add more oats or flax to thicken, or applesauce, maple syrup, or milk to thin. 

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
Yield 12-16
Author
Prep time
15 Min
Cook time
35 Min
Total time
50 Min

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

A healthy and somehow still delicious cookie pie that is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8 - 9in / 20 - 23cm pie dish.
  2. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips.
  3. Scrape dough into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips.
  4. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

If you don’t have applesauce, you can use oil instead. That means you would be adding a total of 7 Tbsp / 98g oil, or a scant half cup. I adapted this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie. She is very good about giving lots of options if you are gluten-free, vegan, have a nut allergy, etc. I simply narrowed it down to my favorite combination of ingredients from her options, and preferred amount of sweetener so that it tastes like dessert without giving in to your sugar dragon too much. Feel free to add more sugar if you feel the need! If for whatever reason your batter comes out too thick or thin, (didn't drain the beans as much, the applesauce brand you use is soupier, etc.) you can add more oats or flax to thicken, or applesauce, maple syrup, or milk to thin.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

280.72

Fat

10.08 g

Sat. Fat

3.02 g

Carbs

44.03 g

Fiber

7.02 g

Net carbs

37.01 g

Sugar

20.13 g

Protein

7.85 g

Sodium

533.19 mg

Cholesterol

0.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 12 servings.

vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, healthy, cookie pie,
dessert
American
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Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Last updated September 27, 2024

image.jpg

What has chocolate and oats in it, tastes like a cookie, but is sneakily nutritious for you?  These cookies!  Yay for things that taste good and are healthy simultaneously.  And don't forget fun to make!  So many wins, I want to make these all over again.  Instead, I shall have just as much fun writing out the recipe for you.

These cookies make an excellent on the go snack or breakfast. They’re easily gluten-free if you use certified GF oats, dairy-free (just make sure your chocolate chips don’t have any dairy hiding in them), and vegan if you use a flax or chia seed egg! See recipe notes for how to make a flax egg.

All of the sweetness in these cookies comes from dates and banana, with a boost from the chocolate chips.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Veggies Don't Bite


Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Makes about 30 cookies

Ingredients:

image.jpg
  • 1 1/3 cups / 215g pitted dates (about 15 regular dates or 12 medjool)

  • 1/4 cup / 60g almond milk (or milk of choice)

  • 1/2 cup / 130g peanut butter

  • 1 small / 80g very ripe banana, mashed

  • 1 egg

  • 1 1/2 tsp / 7g vanilla extract

  • 1 cup / 80g rolled oats

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 cups / 340g semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1/2 cup / 62g chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Prepare 1 or 2 cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or silpat.

  1. In a food processor, blend dates until very finely chopped.  Slowly add milk and continue to blend until a smooth paste forms.  (Be careful adding the milk as it may splatter; food processors aren’t always splatter proof.) 

  2. Add peanut butter, banana, egg, and vanilla to the date paste and mix well. 

  3. In a separate bowl whisk together oats, baking soda, and salt.  Add to date mixture.

  4. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans just until combined.  Refrigerate dough for 15 minutes. 

  5. Drop by spoonful onto prepared cookie sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges start to turn lightly golden.  Allow cookies to cool and set a bit before removing from pan. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • These can easily be made vegan, dairy and/or gluten-free: Make a flax egg instead of a normal egg by adding 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds to 3 Tbsp water, use vegan chocolate chips (usually this means just making sure there is no dairy), use certified GF oats and vanilla extract.  Voila!  Now anyone can eat these delicious morsels. 

Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Yield 30
Author
Prep time
15 Min
Cook time
15 Min
Inactive time
15 Min
Total time
45 Min

Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and pecans are easily made vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free! Most of the sweetness comes from dates and banana.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Prepare 1 or 2 cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or silpat.
  2. In a food processor, blend dates until very finely chopped. Slowly add milk and continue to blend until a smooth paste forms. (Be careful adding the milk as it may splatter; food processors aren’t always splatter proof.)
  3. Add peanut butter, banana, egg, and vanilla to the date paste and mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl whisk together oats, baking soda, and salt. Add to date mixture.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans just until combined. Refrigerate dough for 15 minutes.
  6. Drop by spoonful onto prepared cookie sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges start to turn lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool and set a bit before removing from pan.

Notes

These can easily be made vegan, dairy and/or gluten-free: Make a flax egg instead of a normal egg by adding 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds to 3 Tbsp water, use vegan chocolate chips (usually this means just making sure there is no dairy), use certified GF oats and vanilla extract.  Voila!  Now anyone can eat these delicious morsels. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories

130.36

Fat

7.42 g

Sat. Fat

2.64 g

Carbs

16.47 g

Fiber

2.03 g

Net carbs

14.43 g

Sugar

11.53 g

Protein

2.39 g

Sodium

84.40 mg

Cholesterol

6.20 mg

Nutritional information is approximate; based on 30 serving, includes pecans.

chunky monkey cookies, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, egg free, refined sugar free, chocolate chip banana cookies, healthy
dessert, cookies
American
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White Russian Tart

Last updated on September 15, 2024

This tart is a refreshingly scrumptious, not-as-guilty dessert. It is no-bake, gluten-free, refined-sugar free, and somehow delicious. It’s filled with healthy fats which help keep you satisfied for longer than sugary, carb-heavy desserts.

Crust

The crust is like a chewy Lara bar, made of dates, nuts, coconut and cocoa powder to make it dark and chocolatey.

Dark Chocolate Cream

Next, there is a smooth, dark chocolate layer spiked with vodka and Kahlua. You’d never guess the main ingredient for this “cream” is avocado.

Mascarpone Cream

The top layer is decadent and lightly sweetened mascarpone. Put the three layers together and you have yourself quite the treat!

A healthy dessert? Is it any good?

When I'm experimenting and trying new recipes in the "healthy" department (as defined by trying to limit refined-sugars or flours, using a vegetable or bean or something that doesn't normally go belong in desserts, or generally replacing healthier ingredients for less healthy ones) I look for the 3 different categories of reactions from my tasters:

  1. The category of "This is honest deliciousness."  When people ask for a recipe or have no idea that there are chickpeas or spinach powder hidden in what they're eating. Something a normal or even picky eater would eat. 

  2. The category of "It's good for a healthy dessert!"  So it's palatable and they're not gagging, but most would still take a slice of cheesecake over it. AKA, just not as good as it’s regular counterpart.

  3. The category of "I would rather just eat a salad."  If actual fruits and vegetables are tastier than the “dessert” that is trying to be passed off, then that recipe should probably be scrapped.

This tart is a solid category 1.  Even my mom and brother approved this, and they keep me pretty honest when it comes to healthy desserts. 

I bounce back and forth between decadent desserts and healthier desserts. I have a love and respect for both, and each have their place. Some days it's honey, nuts, and coconut oil; other days it's sugar, heavy whipping cream, and butter. Variety is the spice of life. Today, it's dates, avocado, and mascarpone.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses, and American companies and products made in the USA for American readers. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!


White Russian Tart

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

Chocolate Crust

  • 1-1/2 cups / 210g whole almonds

  • 2 Tbsp / 10g unsweetened shredded coconut

  • 4-5 medjool or 8-10 / 100g deglet dates, pitted

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 Tbsp / 7g unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

Chocolate Vodka Cream

  • 1/4 cup / 56g unrefined coconut oil, melted

  • 1 Tbsp finely ground coffee beans

  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pit removed, and sliced

  • 3 Tbsp / 20g unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp vodka

  • 1 tsp rum or Kahlua (of course the Kahlua option adds sugar)

  • 2 Tbsp / 40g+ maple syrup, or more to taste

Mascarpone Cream

  • 8 oz / 225g mascarpone cheese

  • 1 Tbsp / 20g maple syrup

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Make the Chocolate Crust

  1. In a food processor, combine almonds and coconut and pulse until small crumbles. 

  2. Add dates, vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt.  Process until well combined. 

  3. Press into the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch spring-form pan or pie plate.

Make the Chocolate Vodka Cream

  1. Combine melted coconut oil, coffee, avocado, cocoa powder, vodka, Kahlua, and maple syrup in a food processor until smooth. Stop and scrape down sides and bottom occasionally. 

  2. Spread over crust and place in freezer for about 30 minutes.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

  1. Combine mascarpone, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl.  Take the tart out of the freezer and spread mascarpone mixture over it. 

  2. Place in fridge for about 2 hours before serving.   

Jenny's Notes:

  • This tart is not very sweet and really lets the mascarpone shine through.  However, if you or your guests prefer things a little on the sweeter side, feel free to add more maple syrup in either of the creams. 

  • Also, I like to use black cocoa powder in this recipe.  Black cocoa powder is what gives Oreos their signature black color.  (I didn't know the flavor of Oreo was supposed to be chocolate until I was an adult.)  If you can get your hands on it, it's really great. I usually order it from Amazon. 

White Russian Tart
Yield 8-12
Author
Prep time
35 Min
Inactive time
2 Hour
Total time
2 H & 35 M

White Russian Tart

Chewy chocolate almond and date crust, creamy chocolate cream, topped with a lightly sweet mascarpone cream. This dessert is decadent and also gluten-free, refined sugar-free, no-bake, and full of healthy fats.

Ingredients

Chocolate Crust
Chocolate Vodka Cream
Mascarpone Cream

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Crust
  1. In a food processor, combine almonds and coconut and pulse until small crumbles.
  2. Add dates, vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt. Process until well combined.
  3. Press into the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch spring-form pan or pie plate.
Make the Chocolate Vodka Cream
  1. Combine melted coconut oil, coffee, avocado, cocoa powder, vodka, Kahlua, and maple syrup in a food processor until smooth. Stop and scrape down sides and bottom occasionally.
  2. Spread over crust and place in freezer for about 30 minutes.
Make the Mascarpone Cream
  1. Combine mascarpone, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl. Take the tart out of the freezer and spread mascarpone mixture over it.
  2. Place in fridge for about 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • This tart is not very sweet and really lets the mascarpone shine through.  However, if you or your guests prefer things a little on the sweeter side, feel free to add more maple syrup in either of the creams. 
  • Also, I like to use black cocoa powder in this recipe.  Black cocoa powder is what gives Oreos their signature black color.  (I didn't know the flavor of Oreo was supposed to be chocolate until I was an adult.)  If you can get your hands on it, it's really great. I usually order it from Amazon. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories

358.31

Fat

29.26 g

Sat. Fat

15.72 g

Carbs

22.26 g

Fiber

5.01 g

Net carbs

17.27 g

Sugar

14.6 g

Protein

5.29 g

Sodium

92.3 mg

Cholesterol

28.35 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 8 servings.

no bake, refined sugar free, gluten free dessert, raw dessert
dessert
American
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