Crispy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares

Name: Crispy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 3 cups puffed brown rice cereal; ½ cup dried fruit; Pinch of sea salt; 1 cup + 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (at room temperature); ⅓ cup pitted dates ((about 5 medjool dates)); 3 tbsp melted coconut oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 dark chocolate bar (80-100g) (, chopped); ½ cup unsalted roasted peanuts (, chopped)

Print recipe

Veganized Childhood Classics, Candies and Small Sweet Bites

1 hour 10 mins Prep: 10 mins Refrigeration Time: 1 hour

Serves 16

Crispy, chewy, chocolatey and nutty are the best ways to describe these super easy 10-ingredients bars that are also naturally sweetened and gluten free!

Ingredients

3 cups puffed brown rice cereal
½ cup dried fruit
Pinch of sea salt
1 cup + 2 tbsp natural peanut butter at room temperature
⅓ cup pitted dates (about 5 medjool dates)
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 dark chocolate bar (80-100g) , chopped
½ cup unsalted roasted peanuts , chopped

Recipe

Step 1
Combine the cereal, dried fruit and salt in a large bowl.
Step 2
In a food processor or blender, add the peanut butter, dates, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 3
Pour the mixture over the cereal mix and incorporate with a spatula.
Step 4
Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the pan.
Step 5
Compact the mixture well using your hands.
Step 6
Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, making sure to mix after each interval.
Step 7
Spread the chocolate over the cereal mixture.
Step 8
Sprinkle with peanuts. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour before cutting into pieces and serving.
Step 9
Keep in the fridge.

Common Questions & Swaps

Use the dried fruit of your choice: cranberries, raisins, blueberries, chopped prunes, chopped apricots...
Do not hesitate to replace peanut butter with any other nut butter: almond, cashew, hazelnut butter and even sunflower seeds butter.
Other possible garnishes: other chopped nuts, grated coconut or coconut flakes, goji berries, roasted sesame seeds, hemp seeds etc.

Recipe adapted from Ellie Bullen’s Peanut Butter Crackle.

Crispy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares-1

Three stacked Crispy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares

Closeup of Crispy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares

Well, even though the holidays are behind us now (sadly!), it doesn’t mean we should stop eating desserts!

I am really not one to believe that all of a sudden, once January hits, we should restrict everything we eat, go on diets, eliminate all sugars and fats and only stick to salads… I am a huge proponent of eating a balanced diet all year long. I believe it is important to feed your body a variety of colourful fruits and veggies, different whole grains and healthy sources of plant based protein and fat.

But, I also believe that desserts can easily fall into those categories! For example, these bars contain fruits (dried cranberries and dates). They are also made with whole grains – I used puffed brown rice cereal, instead of the traditional white rice cereal. They contain healthy protein and fats in the form of peanuts & peanut butter.

Anyways, all that to say that I personally believe that you can enjoy a flavourful, nutritious, vegan and EVEN gluten free (if that is your thing) dessert anytime, while feeling satisfied and without trying to suppress your (natural!) cravings.

If you have read my blog for a little while, you might know that I am a person who loves loves loves recipes that:

Require few ingredients,
Are made with wholesome ingredients and are preferably naturally sweetened,
Can keep for a little while, and
Can be adapted and modified based on what I have in my cupboards.

Well these Crispy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares check all these boxes! Most importantly, and what I absolutely love about these bars is that they can change their flavour based on what you have at home. For example:

Replace the peanut butter with any nut or seed butter of your choice: almond, cashew, hazelnut and even sunflower seed butter are amazing alternatives!
Use any dried fruits you have on hand. I made these with cranberries, but I am certain they would be delicious with raisins, dried mulberries, chopped figs or apricots or even prunes. The possibilities are endless.
No roasted peanuts? Top these bars with any other chopped nut, with sesame seeds, hemp hearts, pepitas, goji berries, shredded coconut or coconut flakes etc.

Well that is it guys, I hope you give these bars a try, because I really think it could be a love at first bite moment! If you try this recipe, share your thoughts with me in the comments and also on Instagram by tagging me (@muriellebanackissa).

Also, I just wanted to say don’t put any dietary pressure on yourself in the new year. Embrace who you are and feed your body delicious, satisfying and healthy foods all year long, because that is what you deserve!